Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
As serious as a
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "as serious as a" is correct and can be used in written English
It is usually used to emphasize the seriousness or gravity of a situation. For example: "This is as serious as a heart attack. We need to address it quickly."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
I am as serious as a cardiovascular infarction.
News & Media
Now, it's just as serious as a traditional straight wedding".
News & Media
Serena is as serious as a heart attack.
News & Media
Ms. Salvant is as serious as a library, and never corny.
News & Media
"But I want you to know: I am as serious as a heart attack.
News & Media
Mr. Lynam said the center would probably not treat anything as serious as a heart attack.
News & Media
But once he hits the water, he is as serious as a recession.
News & Media
"As serious as a heart attack," she said, with fury in her eyes.
News & Media
Mr. Robb is either as serious as a stone or the drollest man I have met.
News & Media
For Sandra Perch yesterday morning, it was as serious as a train wreck.
News & Media
An unexplained nontender abdominal mass could be as nonthreatening as a hard stool or as serious as a tumour.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Use the phrase "as serious as a" to emphasize the importance or potential consequences of a situation. It is effective in conveying a sense of urgency or gravity.
⚠ Common error
While "as serious as a" is a common idiom, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider using more specific and descriptive language to convey seriousness, such as "critical" or "urgent".
Linguistic Context
The phrase "as serious as a" functions as a simile, comparing the gravity of a situation to something known to be extremely serious. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in emphasizing urgency and potential consequences. It can be used in many contexts and it is mostly correct.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
70%
Academia
15%
Encyclopedias
5%
⚠ Less common in
Wiki
3%
Formal & Business
3%
Science
4%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "as serious as a" is a grammatically correct and very common simile used to emphasize the gravity or importance of a situation. As shown by Ludwig, it is prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. While effective, be mindful of overuse and consider more descriptive alternatives like "as grave as a" or "as critical as a". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
as grave as a
Replaces "serious" with "grave", emphasizing the potential for negative consequences.
as critical as a
Substitutes "serious" with "critical", highlighting the urgency and potential for failure.
as dire as a
Uses "dire" instead of "serious", suggesting a situation of extreme urgency and desperation.
as urgent as a
Replaces "serious" with "urgent", emphasizing the need for immediate action.
as momentous as a
Swaps "serious" with "momentous", focusing on the historical significance or long-term impact.
as significant as a
Changes "serious" to "significant", highlighting the importance and potential consequences.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "as serious as a" in a sentence?
You can use "as serious as a" to emphasize the importance or severity of a situation. For example, "The matter is "as serious as a" heart attack and requires immediate attention."
What are some alternatives to "as serious as a"?
Alternatives include "as grave as a", "as critical as a", or "as urgent as a", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
When is it appropriate to use the idiom "as serious as a"?
It's appropriate when you want to strongly emphasize the severity or potential consequences of a situation. However, be mindful of overuse and consider if more descriptive language would be more effective.
Is "as serious as a" a formal or informal expression?
"As serious as a" leans towards informal, though it is widely understood. In very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "of critical importance" or "extremely grave".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested