a bit perilous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit perilous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that carries some level of risk or danger, but not excessively so. Example: "The hike through the narrow mountain path was a bit perilous, but the view at the top was worth it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The double sense she draws from the adverb "breakily" makes the performance seem ungainly (lots of braking) and a bit perilous (liable to break).

The New Yorker

(You can be your own referee, but this seems a bit perilous to me). If not, your credit card gets automatically charged.

Forbes

Exploring the world around us is arduous and even, as you may have read in my last post, a bit perilous at times, but it's also joyous and amazing, and it's what we're here to do.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

While this can be a bit of a perilous area for inexperienced investors, it also can be a boon for small business owners seeking startup capital who have been turned down for more conventional loans.

The Guardian - Business

But as so often happens when MPs stray into such perilous marshland, the amiable Vaizey ends up sounding a bit of a plonker.

Independent

"I just loved it". He was a bit nervous, initially, because in those days it was the only really "perilous profession".

The Guardian - Film

"The only perilous thing about 'Morgan!' is that it may cause us all to have a bit too much sympathy for beatniks and their childishness in a vicious world," he added.

The New York Times

"He's a bit of thrill seeker," Nik's cousin Aurelia, a daughter of Tino — and the person who most recently occupied the perilous top of the seven-person pyramid — said with no trace of irony.

The New York Times

But it is politically perilous, because in a world of finite resources outsiders can only be helped by asking insiders to share a bit, whether through rationing or by paying higher premiums.

The Economist

A bit.

The New York Times

Already this week, he seemed to be a bit nervous, and irritated, about Mr. Edwards's efforts to fight on, telling a South Carolina television station that Mr. Edwards lacked the experience to lead the nation in perilous times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit perilous" to describe situations where there is a noticeable but not overwhelming level of risk or danger. This adds nuance compared to simply saying "dangerous".

Common error

Avoid using "a bit perilous" for situations that are clearly extremely dangerous; this can create a jarring understatement and diminish the seriousness of the situation. Instead, opt for stronger terms like "highly dangerous" or "extremely perilous" for high-risk contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit perilous" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective 'perilous'. According to Ludwig, it describes a situation or action that carries a degree of risk but isn't excessively dangerous.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit perilous" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe situations that involve a certain level of risk or danger, but not excessively so. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival modifier, adding nuance to descriptions of potentially hazardous scenarios. While it's more common in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register and offers a more tempered assessment compared to simply labeling something as "dangerous". Therefore, use it when you want to suggest caution without overstating the threat.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat risky

Implies a degree of risk, similar to "a bit perilous", but with a slightly different emphasis on the potential negative outcomes.

slightly dangerous

Indicates a small amount of danger, closely mirroring the meaning of "a bit perilous".

a shade risky

Suggests a small degree of risk, similar to "a bit perilous", but using more informal language.

a little unsafe

Suggests a lack of safety, comparable to "a bit perilous", but focuses more on the security aspect.

somewhat hazardous

Highlights the presence of hazards, making it similar to "a bit perilous", but with a focus on potential harm.

slightly treacherous

Highlights the potential for betrayal or hidden dangers, similar to the underlying risk in "a bit perilous".

a touch precarious

Emphasizes instability or uncertainty, similar to the risk implied by "a bit perilous".

marginally threatening

Focuses on the potential for harm or danger, comparable to "a bit perilous", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the negative impact.

a trifle insecure

Highlights a lack of security, implying a slight risk, similar to "a bit perilous".

somewhat challenging

Indicates a level of difficulty or demanding nature, which can imply a bit of risk or peril.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit perilous" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit perilous" to describe a situation that has some risk but isn't overwhelmingly dangerous. For example, "The old bridge seemed "a bit perilous", but we crossed it carefully".

What are some alternatives to saying "a bit perilous"?

Alternatives include "somewhat risky", "slightly dangerous", or "a little unsafe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a bit perilous" in formal writing?

While "a bit perilous" is generally acceptable, it leans towards informal language. In formal writing, consider using more precise and stronger terms like "somewhat hazardous" or "slightly treacherous" for increased impact.

What's the difference between "a bit perilous" and "dangerous"?

"A bit perilous" implies a lower degree of risk compared to "dangerous". "Dangerous" suggests a significant potential for harm, while "a bit perilous" indicates a mild to moderate level of risk that requires caution but is not necessarily life-threatening.