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B1 Adverb #44 most common 14 min read

seriously

Top 44

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips seriously in 30 Seconds

Explanation seriously in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'seriously' might be a bit difficult, but you can understand it in simple ways. Think of it as meaning 'not joking.' If a teacher says, 'Listen seriously,' they want you to stop playing and pay attention. You might also hear 'Seriously?' in movies when someone is surprised. It's like saying 'Really?' or 'Is that true?' At this level, focus on the idea that 'seriously' is the opposite of 'funny' or 'joking.' You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but recognizing it when others use it to get your attention is very helpful. Just remember the '-ly' at the end makes it an adverb, which usually describes how someone is doing something. If you see someone with a very straight face, they are acting seriously. It is a word that helps you understand the mood of a person. If a situation is serious, it is not a game. So, if someone says 'seriously,' they want you to be quiet and focus. It is a very useful word for following instructions in a classroom or at home. You can practice by saying 'Seriously?' when a friend tells you something amazing or strange, like 'I have ten cats!'

For A2 learners, 'seriously' becomes more useful as an intensifier. This means you can use it to make an adjective stronger, similar to 'very.' For example, 'The food is seriously good!' means the food is very, very good. You will also start to use it to describe how people act. 'He is studying seriously for the test' means he is working hard and not wasting time. At this level, you should try to use 'seriously' to show that you are being honest. If you say, 'I seriously don't know,' you are telling the other person that you are not lying or joking. It adds more feeling to your sentences. You might also notice it in questions like 'Are you seriously going to wear that?' which shows that you think the choice is a bit strange. This word helps you express your opinions more clearly. It is also common in simple stories to describe a character's mood. If a character 'looks seriously' at a map, they are trying very hard to find the way. Start using it in your writing to replace 'very' sometimes, as it sounds more natural and interesting. It's a great step toward sounding more like a native speaker.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'seriously' in several different ways. First, as an adverb of manner: 'She took the job seriously.' This shows her professional attitude. Second, as an intensifier: 'That was a seriously difficult exam.' This emphasizes the level of difficulty. Third, as a discourse marker to change the tone of a conversation: 'But seriously, we need to talk about the budget.' This helps you manage transitions in your speech. You should also understand the difference between 'seriously' and 'serious.' Remember that 'seriously' modifies verbs and adjectives. B1 learners often use 'seriously' to express a strong opinion or to check if someone is being truthful. It's a key word for expressing nuance. For example, 'I'm seriously considering moving' sounds much more committed than just 'I'm thinking about moving.' It shows that you have given the matter a lot of thought. You will also encounter it in more formal contexts, like news reports where someone might be 'seriously injured.' At this level, you should be able to use it to add emphasis and to signal your emotional state or level of commitment in a conversation. It's a versatile word that makes your English sound more fluid and natural.

By B2, you should master the pragmatic functions of 'seriously.' This includes using it to express indignation, skepticism, or to emphasize a point in a debate. You should be able to use it as a sentence adverb to comment on your own statement: 'Seriously, I think this is the best decision we can make.' This adds a layer of 'meta-communication' to your speech. You should also be aware of its register. While 'seriously' is common in speech, you should know when to replace it with more formal alternatives like 'gravely,' 'solemnly,' or 'substantially' in academic or professional writing. At B2, you can use 'seriously' to handle complex social interactions, such as returning to a serious topic after a joke ('But seriously though...'). You should also be able to recognize when 'seriously' is being used sarcastically. If someone says 'Seriously? Great job,' after you break a glass, they are using the word to show annoyance, not sincerity. Understanding these subtle shifts in meaning and tone is essential for reaching an upper-intermediate level. You should also be comfortable using it in common collocations like 'seriously ill,' 'seriously reconsider,' and 'take someone seriously.' It becomes a tool for precision and emotional expression.

At the C1 level, your use of 'seriously' should be sophisticated and context-aware. You understand that 'seriously' can function as a powerful rhetorical device. In a presentation, you might use it to underscore a critical piece of data: 'This is a seriously undervalued asset.' You also recognize its role in establishing authority. When a leader says, 'We are seriously committed to diversity,' the word 'seriously' acts as a guarantee of their intent. You should be able to analyze the use of 'seriously' in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used to create a specific atmosphere or to critique a situation. For example, a critic might write that a film 'fails to take its own premise seriously,' which is a nuanced way of saying the film is inconsistent. You should also be adept at using 'seriously' in complex grammatical structures, such as 'He was seriously, if not fatally, wounded.' At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to manipulate the tone and impact of your communication. You also know how to avoid its overuse, choosing more specific adverbs when the situation demands higher precision. Your understanding of the word includes its historical development and its various shades of meaning in different English dialects.

For C2 learners, 'seriously' is a word whose nuances are fully integrated into a near-native command of the language. You understand the subtle prosodic features—the stress and intonation—that can change 'Seriously?' from a simple question to a biting piece of sarcasm or a profound expression of empathy. You can use the word in high-stakes negotiations to signal a 'bottom line' or a non-negotiable point. You are also aware of the word's etymological roots and how they inform its modern usage. You can appreciate the irony when 'seriously' is used in humorous contexts, such as 'mock-seriousness.' In your own writing, you use 'seriously' sparingly but effectively, knowing that its power comes from its ability to ground a sentence in reality. You might use it to contrast with more abstract or theoretical points: 'While the theory is sound, the practical implementation is seriously flawed.' You have a complete grasp of all its collocations and can even create your own creative uses of the word that feel natural. At this level, 'seriously' is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic arsenal, used with perfect timing and register. You can also explain the word's function to others, demonstrating a deep metalinguistic awareness of how adverbs of manner and degree operate in English.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

seriously in 30 Seconds

Used to describe actions done in an earnest, sincere, or solemn manner without any humor.
Functions as a common intensifier in informal speech, meaning 'very' or 'extremely.'
Serves as a conversational exclamation to express shock, disbelief, or annoyance.
A versatile B1-level adverb essential for both formal gravity and informal emphasis.

The adverb seriously is a multifaceted linguistic tool that serves three primary functions in the English language: expressing sincerity, acting as an intensifier, and serving as a conversational marker of disbelief. At its core, the word relates to the quality of being 'serious'—that is, not joking, not being lighthearted, and focusing on matters of importance. When you do something seriously, you do it with total focus and without any intention of humor or playfulness. This is the foundational meaning that learners encounter first. However, in modern English, particularly in colloquial and semi-formal registers, its role has expanded significantly. It is now one of the most common intensifiers used to replace 'very' or 'extremely,' adding a layer of emotional weight to the description. For instance, saying something is 'seriously expensive' suggests not just a high price, but a price that is almost shocking or consequential. Furthermore, as a standalone exclamation, 'Seriously?' functions as a pragmatic marker that challenges the validity of a previous statement or expresses frustration at an unfolding situation.

Sincerity and Earnestness: This usage describes the manner of an action. If a doctor speaks to you seriously, their tone is grave and their message is important. It implies a lack of levity and a high degree of professional or personal commitment to the truth of the matter at hand.

The CEO is seriously considering a total restructure of the department to improve efficiency.

The Intensifier Role: In this context, 'seriously' modifies adjectives or other adverbs. It is synonymous with 'remarkably' or 'exceptionally.' It is frequently used in informal settings to emphasize the degree of a quality, such as being 'seriously talented' or 'seriously fast.'

That new sports car is seriously fast; it can reach sixty miles per hour in under three seconds.

In professional environments, the word maintains its gravity. To take a threat seriously means to allocate resources and attention to it as if it were a real and present danger. To work seriously on a project means to avoid distractions and maintain a high standard of output. Conversely, in social media and texting, 'seriously' is often used to vent. If someone says, 'Seriously, I can't even,' they are expressing a level of overwhelmed frustration that words can barely describe. This versatility makes it one of the most indispensable adverbs for a B1 learner to master, as it bridges the gap between formal precision and informal expression. It allows the speaker to convey not just the 'what' of an action, but the 'how' and the 'how much' with great clarity. Understanding the nuance between 'speaking seriously' (a matter of tone) and 'seriously speaking' (a discourse marker used to transition from a joke to a real point) is a hallmark of advancing fluency.

I need you to listen seriously to what I am about to tell you because it affects your future.

Disbelief and Rhetorical Questions: Often used as a one-word sentence. It asks the listener to confirm that they are not joking or to acknowledge that a situation is absurd. It is a powerful tool for managing the flow of a conversation and checking for mutual understanding.

You're going to quit your job without having another one lined up? Seriously?

The environmental impact of the oil spill is seriously concerning to local biologists.

The placement of seriously within a sentence is crucial for determining its meaning. As an adverb of manner, it typically follows the main verb or the object. For example, 'She looked at him seriously.' Here, it describes the way she looked. However, when used as an intensifier, it precedes the adjective it modifies: 'The movie was seriously long.' If you move it to the beginning of a sentence, it often functions as a sentence adverb, commenting on the truthfulness of the entire statement that follows: 'Seriously, I have no idea where the keys are.' This flexibility allows speakers to emphasize different aspects of their communication. When used with verbs of 'taking' or 'considering,' it almost always follows the verb-object pair: 'We must take this threat seriously.' Placing it elsewhere, like 'We must seriously take this threat,' is grammatically possible but sounds less natural to native speakers. It is also important to note that 'seriously' can modify other adverbs, though this is less common: 'He was seriously badly injured.' In this case, 'seriously' intensifies 'badly,' which in turn modifies 'injured.'

Modifying Verbs: When modifying a verb, it describes the attitude or intent of the subject. It often appears between the auxiliary verb and the main verb: 'I am seriously thinking about it.'

He seriously damaged his reputation by making those false claims in public.

Modifying Adjectives: In this role, it acts as a booster. It is common in spoken English to add emphasis. 'That cake is seriously delicious' is a more emotive way of saying 'That cake is very delicious.'

The weather today is seriously cold, so make sure you wear a heavy coat and gloves.

Another advanced use of 'seriously' is in the phrase 'but seriously,' which is used to signal a return to a grave topic after a joke or a digression. This is a vital conversational tool for public speakers and comedians. It acts as a reset button for the audience's attention. Additionally, 'seriously' can be used in negative constructions to emphasize the absence of a joke: 'I am not seriously suggesting we fire everyone.' Here, it clarifies that the suggestion was perhaps hyperbolic or illustrative rather than a literal proposal. In terms of punctuation, when 'seriously' is used as a sentence adverb at the start of a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma: 'Seriously, you need to see a doctor.' This comma represents the brief pause in speech that separates the speaker's attitude from the content of the message. Without the comma, the meaning might shift or the sentence might feel rushed and less impactful.

I don't think you're taking this seriously enough; the deadline is tomorrow morning.

Sentence-Initial Usage: When placed at the start, it sets the tone for the entire utterance. It tells the listener: 'What I am about to say is the honest truth, even if it sounds surprising.'

Seriously, how many times do I have to ask you to take out the trash?

The athlete was seriously impressive during the final minutes of the championship game.

In the real world, seriously is ubiquitous. You will hear it in corporate boardrooms, on high school campuses, in hospital corridors, and in almost every sitcom ever produced. Its frequency in spoken English is remarkably high because it fulfills so many pragmatic needs. In a professional context, you might hear a manager say, 'We need to look seriously at our budget for next quarter.' Here, it signals a shift from casual brainstorming to rigorous financial planning. In a medical setting, a nurse might tell a patient, 'You need to take these medications seriously,' emphasizing that following the prescription is a matter of life and death, not a mere suggestion. The word carries a weight of authority and urgency in these scenarios that few other adverbs can match. It cuts through the noise and demands that the listener focus on the gravity of the situation.

In Media and Entertainment: Screenwriters use 'Seriously?' as a quick way to show a character's shock or indignation. It is a staple of dialogue because it sounds natural and conveys a lot of emotion with very little effort. It often marks a turning point in a scene's emotional arc.

Wait, you're telling me the concert was canceled because the singer lost his voice? Seriously?

In Daily Social Interaction: Friends use it to bond over shared experiences. 'I'm seriously so tired' is a common way to express empathy or seek it. It acts as a social glue, validating the intensity of one's feelings to others.

I am seriously considering taking a gap year to travel across South America.

On social media platforms like Twitter (X) or Instagram, 'seriously' is often used as a hashtag (#seriously) to emphasize a point or to express exasperation with current events. It is a way for users to signal that they are not 'trolling' or joking, but are genuinely concerned or impressed. In the world of sports commentary, you'll hear it used to describe a player's performance: 'He is seriously good under pressure.' This usage highlights the player's professional competence and mental toughness. Even in the legal field, 'seriously' appears in phrases like 'seriously injured' or 'seriously misleading,' where the adverb provides a necessary threshold for legal action or liability. It defines the boundary between a minor inconvenience and a significant harm. Whether you are watching a YouTube tutorial or listening to a podcast about philosophy, 'seriously' will likely appear as a way to ground the conversation in reality and importance.

If we don't address these climate issues seriously, the future of the planet is at risk.

In Academic Lectures: Professors use it to highlight the most critical parts of their lectures. 'You should seriously study the third chapter' is a direct signal that the material will appear on the exam.

The researcher seriously questioned the validity of the previous study's results.

Are you seriously going to eat that entire pizza by yourself?

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing the adverb seriously with its adjective counterpart, 'serious.' Adjectives describe nouns, while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. A common mistake is saying 'He was serious hurt' instead of 'He was seriously hurt.' In this case, 'seriously' is modifying the participle 'hurt,' so the adverbial form is required. Another common pitfall is the over-reliance on 'seriously' as a filler word. While it is acceptable in casual conversation, using it in every other sentence can make a speaker sound repetitive or even immature. It is better to vary your intensifiers with words like 'extremely,' 'remarkably,' or 'exceptionally' depending on the context. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the placement of 'seriously' when it is used as a sentence adverb. Placing it at the end of a sentence like 'I am not going, seriously' is common in speech but can look disjointed in formal writing without proper punctuation.

Adjective vs. Adverb Confusion: Learners often forget the '-ly' suffix. Remember: 'He is a serious person' (adjective) vs. 'He is seriously considering it' (adverb).

Incorrect: She was serious annoyed. Correct: She was seriously annoyed.

Tone Mismatch: Using 'seriously' as an intensifier in a formal academic paper (e.g., 'The results were seriously good') is considered too informal. Use 'highly favorable' or 'statistically significant' instead.

Avoid: The economy is seriously bad. Use: The economy is in a severe recession.

Another subtle mistake involves the use of 'seriously' in questions. While 'Seriously?' is a great way to express disbelief, using it as a literal question about someone's state of mind is better handled by 'Are you serious?' For example, if you want to know if someone is joking, 'Are you serious?' is the standard form. Using 'Seriously?' in that context is more of a rhetorical reaction than a genuine inquiry. Additionally, some learners use 'seriously' to modify verbs that don't logically fit. You can 'seriously consider' something, but you can't 'seriously eat' something (unless you are eating it in a very solemn manner, which is rare). In most cases where people say they are 'seriously eating,' they mean they are 'really eating' or 'eating a lot,' but 'seriously' doesn't quite work as a substitute for 'intensely' in that specific context. Lastly, be careful with the phrase 'seriously speaking.' It is often confused with 'frankly speaking' or 'honestly.' While similar, 'seriously speaking' specifically implies a shift away from humor, whereas 'honestly' implies a shift toward truthfulness regardless of the previous tone.

Don't say: I seriously want a burger. Say: I really want a burger.

Misunderstanding the Exclamation: Using 'Seriously!' with a happy tone can be confusing. It is almost always used for negative surprise, annoyance, or neutral shock. It is rarely used to mean 'Wow, that's great!'

Context: Someone wins the lottery. Response: Seriously? (Expresses shock). Response: That's amazing! (Expresses joy).

You shouldn't take his comments so seriously; he was only joking.

To expand your vocabulary beyond seriously, it is helpful to look at synonyms that fit specific contexts more precisely. If you are using 'seriously' to mean 'in an earnest way,' consider words like 'earnestly,' 'solemnly,' or 'gravely.' 'Earnestly' suggests a sincere and intense conviction. 'Solemnly' implies a formal or even religious dignity, often used in the context of promises or ceremonies. 'Gravely' is used for very serious or dangerous situations, such as when someone is 'gravely ill.' If you are using 'seriously' as an intensifier, alternatives include 'extremely,' 'remarkably,' 'exceptionally,' 'truly,' or 'genuinely.' 'Truly' and 'genuinely' add a sense of authenticity to the emphasis. In very informal speech, 'deadly' (as in 'deadly serious') or 'real' (as in 'real good'—though this is grammatically non-standard) are common. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the word that best matches the 'flavor' of your sentence.

Seriously vs. Earnestly: 'Seriously' is broader. 'Earnestly' is more about the purity of one's intentions. You can take a test seriously, but you pray earnestly.

He earnestly requested a second chance to prove his worth to the team.

Seriously vs. Severely: 'Severely' is used for negative impacts or strictness. A person can be 'seriously injured' or 'severely injured,' but you are 'severely punished,' not 'seriously punished.'

The village was severely affected by the flooding last winter.

In the realm of exclamations, 'Seriously?' can be replaced by 'Really?', 'For real?', or 'Are you kidding me?'. 'Really?' is the most neutral alternative. 'For real?' is more common in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and youth culture. 'Are you kidding me?' is more expressive of frustration or disbelief. When you want to sound more academic, replace 'seriously' with 'substantially' or 'significantly.' For example, instead of saying 'The project was seriously delayed,' say 'The project was significantly delayed.' This change in vocabulary instantly elevates the register of your writing. Similarly, 'in all honesty' or 'to be perfectly frank' can replace 'seriously speaking' when you want to emphasize your truthfulness. By mastering these alternatives, you can avoid the 'vocabulary plateau' where you rely on the same few words for everything, and instead, you can tailor your language to your audience and purpose with precision and style.

The judge looked solemnly at the defendant before delivering the final verdict.

Seriously vs. Sincerely: 'Sincerely' is about being honest and without pretense. 'Seriously' is about being focused and grave. You sign a letter 'Sincerely,' but you study 'Seriously.'

I sincerely hope that you have a wonderful time on your vacation.

The patient's condition is critically unstable at the moment.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The committee is seriously concerned about the decline in enrollment."

Neutral

"You should take your studies seriously if you want to pass."

Informal

"That pizza was seriously the best thing I've ever eaten."

Child friendly

"The doctor is going to look at your arm seriously to make it better."

Slang

"Seriously, I can't even with this guy right now."

Fun Fact

The use of 'seriously' as an intensifier (like 'very') didn't become popular until the 20th century. Before that, it was almost exclusively used to mean 'in a grave manner.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsɪə.ri.əs.li/

US /ˈsɪr.i.əs.li/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: SE-ri-ous-ly.

Rhymes With

mysteriously imperiously deleteriously precariously hilariously vicariously nefariously variously

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'serious-lie' instead of 'serious-lee'.
Dropping the 'ly' and saying 'serious' as an adverb.
Mumbling the middle 'i-ous' syllables.
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Over-emphasizing the 's' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts.

Writing 3/5

Requires care to avoid informal use in formal papers.

Speaking 3/5

Intonation is key for the exclamation 'Seriously?'.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

serious very really good bad

Learn Next

earnestly gravely significantly substantially sincerely

Advanced

pragmatic markers intensifiers adverbs of manner sentence adverbs

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation

Serious (Adj) + ly = Seriously (Adv).

Intensifier Placement

It goes before the adjective: 'Seriously (Adv) expensive (Adj)'.

Manner Adverb Placement

It often follows the verb: 'He spoke (V) seriously (Adv)'.

Sentence Adverbs

Use a comma after 'Seriously' at the start of a sentence.

Comparison of Adverbs

More seriously / Most seriously.

Examples by Level

Please listen seriously to the teacher.

Por favor, escucha seriamente al profesor.

Adverb modifying the verb 'listen'.

Are you seriously my friend?

¿Eres seriamente mi amigo?

Used as an intensifier in a question.

He is a seriously good player.

Él es un jugador seriamente bueno.

Modifying the adjective 'good'.

Seriously? I don't believe it!

¿En serio? ¡No lo creo!

Exclamation of disbelief.

You must study seriously for the test.

Debes estudiar seriamente para el examen.

Adverb of manner.

The man looked at me seriously.

El hombre me miró seriamente.

Describes the action of looking.

It is seriously cold outside today.

Hace seriamente frío afuera hoy.

Intensifier for 'cold'.

I am seriously not joking right now.

En serio no estoy bromeando ahora mismo.

Emphasizing a negative statement.

She is seriously thinking about her future.

Ella está pensando seriamente en su futuro.

Modifying the continuous verb 'thinking'.

That movie was seriously scary!

¡Esa película fue seriamente aterradora!

Intensifier for the adjective 'scary'.

Seriously, where did you put my keys?

En serio, ¿dónde pusiste mis llaves?

Sentence adverb at the beginning.

He seriously needs to clean his room.

Él seriamente necesita limpiar su habitación.

Modifying the verb 'needs'.

Is she seriously going to eat all that?

¿Ella seriamente se va a comer todo eso?

Expressing surprise/disbelief.

The car was seriously damaged in the crash.

El coche quedó seriamente dañado en el choque.

Modifying the participle 'damaged'.

I seriously hope you feel better soon.

Espero seriamente que te sientas mejor pronto.

Modifying the verb 'hope' for sincerity.

They are seriously rich people.

Ellos son personas seriamente ricas.

Intensifier for 'rich'.

We need to take this problem seriously.

Necesitamos tomarnos este problema en serio.

Common collocation: 'take something seriously'.

Seriously, I've never seen anything like it.

En serio, nunca he visto nada igual.

Sentence adverb used for emphasis.

The athlete was seriously injured during the race.

El atleta resultó seriamente herido durante la carrera.

Formal use in a medical/news context.

But seriously, what are we going to do now?

Pero en serio, ¿qué vamos a hacer ahora?

Transition phrase 'but seriously'.

I am seriously considering your offer.

Estoy considerando seriamente su oferta.

Expressing earnest intent.

He was seriously late for the meeting.

Él llegó seriamente tarde a la reunión.

Intensifier for the adverb 'late'.

Seriously? You forgot your passport?

¿En serio? ¿Olvidaste tu pasaporte?

Exclamation of disbelief/annoyance.

She spoke seriously about the risks involved.

Ella habló seriamente sobre los riesgos involucrados.

Adverb of manner describing speech.

The government is seriously underestimating the crisis.

El gobierno está subestimando seriamente la crisis.

Modifying the verb 'underestimating'.

Seriously, though, we can't afford to wait any longer.

En serio, sin embargo, no podemos permitirnos esperar más.

Sentence adverb with a contrastive 'though'.

His reputation was seriously tarnished by the scandal.

Su reputación se vio seriamente empañada por el escándalo.

Formal/Academic use of 'seriously'.

Are you seriously suggesting that we quit?

¿Estás sugiriendo seriamente que renunciemos?

Challenging a proposition.

The project is seriously behind schedule.

El proyecto está seriamente retrasado.

Intensifier for a prepositional phrase.

He seriously doubted whether he could win.

Él dudaba seriamente si podría ganar.

Modifying a verb of mental state.

Seriously, you have to try this chocolate cake.

En serio, tienes que probar este pastel de chocolate.

Informal intensifier for a recommendation.

The implications are seriously concerning for the industry.

Las implicaciones son seriamente preocupantes para la industria.

Modifying the adjective 'concerning'.

The report was seriously flawed in its methodology.

El informe estaba seriamente viciado en su metodología.

Academic critique using 'seriously'.

Seriously, I cannot stress the importance of this enough.

En serio, no puedo enfatizar lo suficiente la importancia de esto.

Sentence adverb for rhetorical emphasis.

The company's future is seriously at stake.

El futuro de la empresa está seriamente en juego.

Idiomatic use with 'at stake'.

He was seriously, if not permanently, disabled.

Quedó seriamente, si no permanentemente, discapacitado.

Complex sentence structure with parenthetical.

Seriously? After all we've been through?

¿En serio? ¿Después de todo lo que hemos pasado?

Pragmatic marker of deep emotional betrayal.

The lack of funding is seriously hampering our progress.

La falta de financiación está obstaculizando seriamente nuestro progreso.

Modifying a formal verb 'hampering'.

She seriously questioned the ethics of the decision.

Ella cuestionó seriamente la ética de la decisión.

Expressing professional doubt.

The weather was seriously affecting the crop yields.

El clima estaba afectando seriamente el rendimiento de los cultivos.

Describing causal impact.

The philosopher's work was seriously misunderstood by his peers.

La obra del filósofo fue seriamente incomprendida por sus pares.

Nuanced adverbial use in intellectual discourse.

Seriously, the sheer audacity of the move was breathtaking.

En serio, la pura audacia del movimiento fue asombrosa.

Using 'seriously' to frame a complex observation.

The infrastructure is seriously in need of an overhaul.

La infraestructura necesita seriamente una revisión general.

Intensifying a prepositional phrase 'in need of'.

He seriously, almost pathologically, avoided conflict.

Él evitaba seriamente, casi patológicamente, el conflicto.

Adverbial layering for psychological depth.

Seriously? You're going to play that card now?

¿En serio? ¿Vas a jugar esa carta ahora?

Metaphorical use in a social power dynamic.

The findings were seriously at odds with previous research.

Los hallazgos estaban seriamente en desacuerdo con investigaciones anteriores.

Collocation: 'seriously at odds'.

I seriously doubt the veracity of these claims.

Dudo seriamente de la veracidad de estas afirmaciones.

High-level vocabulary 'veracity' modified by 'seriously'.

The narrative was seriously undermined by its weak ending.

La narrativa se vio seriamente socavada por su débil final.

Literary criticism context.

Common Collocations

take seriously

seriously ill

seriously injured

seriously consider

seriously damaged

seriously concerned

seriously flawed

seriously rich

seriously cool

seriously wrong

Common Phrases

But seriously...

— Used to return to a serious topic after making a joke.

That was a funny story, but seriously, we need to start the meeting.

Seriously though

— Similar to 'but seriously,' used to pivot back to the main point.

Seriously though, I'm glad you're okay.

Are you seriously...?

— Used to ask if someone is really going to do something surprising.

Are you seriously going to wear that hat?

I'm seriously not...

— Used to emphasize that a negative statement is true.

I'm seriously not hungry right now.

Not seriously

— Used to say that something was a joke or not meant to be taken literally.

I was only joking, not seriously suggesting we move.

Seriously speaking

— A phrase used to introduce a sincere or grave statement.

Seriously speaking, the economy is in trouble.

Deadly seriously

— An idiom meaning 'extremely seriously.'

I am deadly seriously about this project.

Take it seriously

— To give something the attention and respect it deserves.

If you want to win, you have to take it seriously.

Seriously now

— Used to tell people to stop joking and focus.

Seriously now, let's get back to work.

Seriously, man

— An informal way to express disbelief or emphasis to a friend.

Seriously, man, that was crazy!

Often Confused With

seriously vs serious

Serious is an adjective (a serious man), seriously is an adverb (he spoke seriously).

seriously vs severely

Severely is usually negative (severely punished), seriously can be positive or negative.

seriously vs sincerely

Sincerely is about honesty/feelings, seriously is about gravity/importance.

Idioms & Expressions

"Take someone seriously"

— To treat someone as important and worth listening to.

Nobody takes him seriously because he's always joking.

neutral

"Seriously at odds"

— To be in strong disagreement or conflict with something.

His actions are seriously at odds with his words.

formal

"Seriously speaking"

— To indicate a shift from a lighthearted to a grave tone.

Seriously speaking, we need a plan.

neutral

"Not seriously"

— Used to downplay the importance of a previous statement.

I said I'd quit, but not seriously.

informal

"Seriously? No way!"

— A common combination to express total disbelief.

You won? Seriously? No way!

informal

"Seriously into something"

— To be very interested or involved in a hobby or topic.

He's seriously into jazz music lately.

informal

"Seriously messed up"

— To be very wrong, confused, or damaged.

The situation is seriously messed up.

slang

"Seriously, I can't"

— An expression of being overwhelmed or unable to deal with something.

Seriously, I can't with this weather.

slang

"Seriously under the weather"

— To be very ill (combining 'seriously' with another idiom).

She's seriously under the weather today.

neutral

"Seriously out of pocket"

— To have lost a significant amount of money.

The repairs left me seriously out of pocket.

informal

Easily Confused

seriously vs Serious

Both come from the same root.

Serious describes a person or thing; seriously describes how an action is done or the degree of a quality.

He is a serious student who studies seriously.

seriously vs Gravely

Both mean 'in a serious way.'

Gravely is much more formal and usually implies danger or death.

The patient is gravely ill.

seriously vs Earnestly

Both imply sincerity.

Earnestly implies a deep, personal desire or plea; seriously is more general.

He earnestly asked for a favor.

seriously vs Really

Both are used as intensifiers.

Really is more common and less 'heavy' than seriously.

I'm really tired vs. I'm seriously tired.

seriously vs Truly

Both emphasize truth.

Truly often emphasizes the fact of something, while seriously emphasizes the manner or degree.

I truly believe you vs. I'm seriously considering it.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + is + seriously + Adjective

He is seriously fast.

Subject + is + seriously + Verb-ing

She is seriously studying.

Take + Object + seriously

Take the rules seriously.

Seriously, + Sentence

Seriously, I don't know.

But seriously, + Question

But seriously, what happened?

Subject + seriously + Verb (mental state)

I seriously doubt that.

Subject + was + seriously + Participle

The report was seriously flawed.

Seriously + Adjective + if not + Adjective

He was seriously, if not fatally, ill.

Word Family

Nouns

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Top 1000 most common words in English.

Common Mistakes

He was serious injured. → He was seriously injured.
You need an adverb (seriously) to modify the participle/adjective (injured).
I serious don't know. → I seriously don't know.
Use the adverbial form to emphasize a verb phrase.
The movie was serious good. → The movie was seriously good.
Adjectives like 'good' are modified by adverbs like 'seriously'.
Seriously? as a happy response. → Wow! or That's great!
'Seriously?' usually implies shock or disbelief, often with a negative or neutral tone.
Using 'seriously' too much in an essay. → Using 'significantly' or 'considerably'.
'Seriously' is often too informal for academic writing when used as an intensifier.

Tips

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'seriously' as a filler word in every sentence. It can make you sound less professional.

Adjective vs Adverb

Always check if you are describing a noun (use serious) or a verb/adjective (use seriously).

Intonation Matters

A flat tone for 'Seriously?' sounds like a question, while a sharp tone sounds like you are annoyed.

Formal Alternatives

In business emails, try 'genuinely' or 'earnestly' for a more polished feel.

Context Clues

If you hear 'seriously' in a news report, pay close attention—it usually precedes important or bad news.

Word Family

Learning 'seriousness' (noun) and 'serious' (adjective) at the same time will help you use 'seriously' better.

Empathy

Using 'I'm seriously sorry' can sound more heartfelt than just 'I'm sorry' in a difficult situation.

CEFR B1 Tip

At the B1 level, examiners look for your ability to use intensifiers like 'seriously' to show range.

Sentence Adverbs

Using 'Seriously,' at the start of a sentence is a great way to emphasize your point of view.

Deadly Seriously

Use 'deadly seriously' when you want to show that there is absolutely no room for joking.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'SERIOUS' person who 'LY' (lies) down to think deeply. They are doing it SERIOUSLY.

Visual Association

Imagine a judge in a courtroom with a very straight face. Everything they do, they do seriously.

Word Web

Sincere Grave Very Really Earnest Solemn Intense Important

Challenge

Try to use 'seriously' in three different ways today: once as an intensifier, once to show sincerity, and once as an exclamation.

Word Origin

Derived from the adjective 'serious,' which comes from the Middle French 'sérieux.' This, in turn, originates from the Late Latin 'seriosus,' and the Latin 'serius,' meaning 'grave, earnest, or important.'

Original meaning: The original Latin root 'serius' was used to describe matters that were not for amusement or play.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > French > English.

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'Seriously?' as an exclamation with superiors, as it can sound disrespectful or dismissive.

In the UK and US, 'seriously' is often used to 'cut to the chase' in a conversation.

The catchphrase 'Seriously?' was popularized by the TV show Grey's Anatomy. The phrase 'Why so serious?' from The Joker in The Dark Knight. The song 'Seriously' from the musical 'Mr. Saturday Night'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health and Safety

Seriously ill
Seriously injured
Take safety seriously
Seriously damaged

Business and Finance

Seriously consider
Seriously undervalued
Take the offer seriously
Seriously concerned

Casual Conversation

Seriously?
Seriously cool
Seriously though
I'm seriously not joking

Education

Study seriously
Take exams seriously
Seriously flawed argument
Seriously impressed

Personal Relationships

Talk seriously
Take someone seriously
Seriously dating
Seriously annoyed

Conversation Starters

"Seriously, what is the best movie you have ever seen in your entire life?"

"Have you ever been seriously lost while traveling in a new city?"

"Do you think people take social media too seriously these days?"

"Seriously, if you could have any superpower, which one would you choose?"

"When was the last time you were seriously impressed by someone's talent?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had to take a difficult situation seriously and how you handled it.

What is something that you are seriously considering changing about your daily routine?

Describe a 'seriously' beautiful place you have visited and why it was so special.

Seriously, what are your biggest goals for the next five years of your life?

Reflect on a time someone didn't take you seriously and how that made you feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It depends on how it is used. When it means 'in a grave manner' (e.g., 'seriously injured'), it is formal. When used as an intensifier (e.g., 'seriously cool'), it is informal.

It is better to avoid it as an intensifier. Use 'significantly' or 'considerably' instead. However, 'seriously flawed' is acceptable in some academic contexts.

'Seriously' is often stronger and carries more emotional weight or gravity than 'really.' 'Really' is more neutral.

You should almost always put a comma after it: 'Seriously, you need to stop.'

It can be, depending on your tone. It often expresses disbelief or annoyance, so use it carefully with people you don't know well.

Yes, it can. For example, 'I seriously doubt it' or 'He seriously considered the offer.'

It means to give something the attention, effort, and respect it deserves, rather than treating it as a joke.

It can be both. In 'He spoke seriously,' it is manner. In 'He is seriously rich,' it is degree (an intensifier).

'Gravely' or 'severely' are common synonyms for 'seriously' when describing an illness or injury.

They use it to signal that they are finished joking and want to talk about something important now.