The ruling says that Metro-North does not dispute the extent of the exposure, or its potential seriousness.

Because of the potential seriousness of the incident, a site alert was announced.

Perhaps most important is the failure of parents to appreciate the potential seriousness of the diseases.

But widespread misunderstanding of its potential seriousness and confusion about appropriate treatment still prevail.

Considering the potential seriousness of the events in Orange County, the bond and currency markets hardly reacted.

The potential seriousness of the problem extends well beyond appearances.

However, the potential seriousness of the shock depends on paths through the body that the currents take.

Smith said he understands the potential seriousness when a player is hit from behind, citing a case where the player died of a broken neck.

In the past few days, Mr. Bush has made comments about the potential seriousness of the case.

For a case with such potential seriousness, it seems to have caught much of official Washington off guard.