Grammar fix
serious crime
major crime
A crime that is very severe or dangerous, such as murder, robbery, or assault, and usually has strong punishments.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The police are investigating a serious crime that happened downtown last night.
In my opinion, people who commit serious crimes should receive strict punishments to protect society.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Murder is a seriously crime.
Say: Murder is a serious crime.
'Serious' (adjective) + crime; 'seriously' is the adverb.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'A grave criminal offence' is courtroom-formal; 'serious crime' is the everyday pairing.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
a serious crime
- a serious crime
- commit a serious crime
- serious offence
- a violent crime