a dangerous decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dangerous decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a choice or action that poses significant risks or negative consequences. Example: "Choosing to drive without a seatbelt is a dangerous decision that can lead to serious injuries in an accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But deciding to bomb a city to get its residents to do something is a dangerous decision, morally and militarily.

The New Yorker

The Mets have made a dangerous decision by refusing to offer contract extensions to Valentine and General Manager Steve Phillips.

The New York Times - Sports

I felt myself moving slowly in the direction of a dangerous decision I did not wish to make, like someone swerving on an icy road toward an embankment.

The New Yorker

It was a "dangerous" decision by the judge, Bloomberg added, while claiming that the policy had helped bring down crime in New York.

The Guardian

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for the Palestinian government, called the new housing announcement "a dangerous decision that will torpedo the negotiations and sentence the American efforts to complete failure".

The New York Times

But with PC sales volumes shrinking and a recession looming, it seems a dangerous decision.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But, to produce a child, each queen requires a husband a dangerous decision in an era when husbands ruthlessly subjugate their wives.

Vice

"This is a very dangerous decision made by a judge who I think does not understand how policing works," he said after the decision was handed down Monday.

The New York Times

Wyatt, in remarks to KPCC that further stoked the outcry, said it was a more dangerous decision to cross a street with oncoming traffic than to have sex with a teacher.

Los Angeles Times

For example, a GOOD, KIND, WONDERFUL friend could ask him to make a BAD, DANGEROUS decision.

Huffington Post

"This is a potentially dangerous decision," Mr. Turkel said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a dangerous decision", ensure the context clearly outlines the potential negative consequences or risks associated with the decision. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a dangerous decision" when the risks are minimal or speculative. This can weaken your argument and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Use more precise language to describe the actual level of risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dangerous decision" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a particular choice or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable, suggesting a decision that carries substantial risk.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dangerous decision" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, according to Ludwig AI, used to describe a choice or action with potentially negative consequences. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. Alternative phrases include "a perilous choice" and "a risky course of action". When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly explains the risks involved and avoid using it in situations where the danger is overstated. This helps to convey the appropriate level of concern and maintain the credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perilous choice

Replaces 'decision' with 'choice' and 'dangerous' with 'perilous', emphasizing the high level of risk involved.

a risky course of action

Substitutes 'decision' with 'course of action' and 'dangerous' with 'risky', highlighting the potential for negative outcomes from a specific path taken.

a precarious step

Replaces 'decision' with 'step' and 'dangerous' with 'precarious', stressing the instability and potential for failure in the action taken.

an ill-advised move

Replaces 'dangerous decision' with a judgement of the decision being poorly thought out and likely to cause problems.

a hazardous undertaking

Substitutes 'decision' with 'undertaking' and 'dangerous' with 'hazardous', emphasizing the inherent risks and potential for harm in the endeavor.

a reckless gamble

Replaces 'decision' with 'gamble' and 'dangerous' with 'reckless', highlighting the element of chance and the disregard for potential negative consequences.

a misguided action

Substitutes 'dangerous decision' with an expression indicating the action is based on faulty judgment or reasoning.

a regrettable choice

Replaces 'dangerous decision' with an option emphasizing the likelihood of future remorse or disappointment.

a high-stakes gamble

Replaces 'dangerous' with 'high-stakes' while maintaining the idea of risk with the word 'gamble', indicating significant potential consequences.

a questionable judgment call

Replaces 'decision' with 'judgment call' and 'dangerous' with 'questionable', suggesting doubt and uncertainty about the wisdom of the decision.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a dangerous decision"?

You can use alternatives like "a perilous choice", "a risky course of action", or "an ill-advised move" depending on the context.

How do I use "a dangerous decision" in a sentence?

Use "a dangerous decision" to describe a choice or action that carries significant risk or potential for negative consequences. For example, "Investing all your savings in a volatile stock is a dangerous decision."

Is it okay to use "dangerous decision" without the article "a"?

While grammatically acceptable in some contexts (e.g., in headlines), it's generally better to use the article "a" ("a dangerous decision") for clarity and proper grammar in most written sentences.

What makes a decision "dangerous"?

A decision is considered "dangerous" when it has a high probability of leading to negative outcomes, such as physical harm, financial loss, or damage to reputation. The potential severity of these outcomes also contributes to the perception of danger.