a fragile situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fragile situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a delicate or unstable circumstance that requires careful handling. Example: "The negotiations are in a fragile situation, and any misstep could lead to a breakdown in talks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"We are not living in ordinary times; we are in a fragile situation," she said.

The New York Times

There was a fragile situation in Basra, rows over oil revenues, and rampant corruption inside Iraqi government ministries.

The Guardian

"Kiki stepped up," Stern said, though he didn't want to specify the financial arrangement, and he worried how national attention might affect what he called "a fragile situation".

The New York Times - Sports

In addition, Mr. Buffett said that "we were dealing with a fragile situation," and that if Bank of America had backed away, Merrill might have suffered a fate similar to that of Lehman Brothers, which went bankrupt.

The New York Times

It's quite a fragile situation and it's not an accident that Putin recently signed a law turning Sochi into a besieged city, under martial law for months.

Huffington Post

The second, on the contrary, not densely colonized by this plant is much more of a fragile situation due to the presence of orchids and the sickle-bearing bush cricket or long-horned groundhopper.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Early childhood experts continually advocate for appropriate supports for young children in any fragile situation well founded on evidence-based knowledge on cognitive child development.

Unicef

A Clinton Defense official recalls, "Any of those elements of his most expansive plan would have, in our view and in the view of a number of thinking people, derailed what was a fairly fragile situation.

The New Yorker

In a regular design the Hafencity area would be closed off by a levee to protect the precinct behind it, creating a vulnerable, fragile situation, because in the instance the protection fails, the consequential damage is huge.

City, Territory and Architecture

It is a very fragile situation.

The New York Times

"I was in a very fragile situation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fragile situation", consider specifying the factors contributing to its fragility. For example, instead of just stating "the economy is in a fragile situation", elaborate with "the economy is in a fragile situation due to high unemployment and fluctuating interest rates".

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic language when describing "a fragile situation". Instead of saying "the situation is on the verge of collapse", opt for a more measured tone like "the situation requires careful management to prevent further deterioration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fragile situation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing conditions in various contexts, such as political climates, economic states, or personal circumstances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fragile situation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an unstable or delicate circumstance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific details about the factors contributing to the fragility and avoid overly dramatic language. Related phrases include "a delicate state" and "a precarious position". While not extremely common, "a fragile situation" is a useful and appropriate way to convey vulnerability and the need for careful handling in a given scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate state

Focuses on the sensitivity and need for careful handling.

a precarious position

Emphasizes the risk and uncertainty involved.

a vulnerable circumstance

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or damage.

an unstable environment

Draws attention to the lack of equilibrium and potential for change.

a sensitive context

Indicates a situation requiring careful consideration and tact.

a critical juncture

Points to a decisive moment with significant consequences.

a risky undertaking

Highlights the potential for failure or negative outcomes.

a tense atmosphere

Emphasizes the stress and unease present.

a difficult predicament

Focuses on the challenging nature of the situation.

a touch-and-go scenario

Implies uncertainty and the possibility of rapid deterioration.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a fragile situation" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a fragile situation", provide context. Explain what makes the situation fragile and what the potential consequences are. For example, "The peace treaty is in "a fragile situation" due to ongoing disputes over territory".

What are some alternatives to "a fragile situation"?

Some alternatives to "a fragile situation" include "a delicate situation", "a precarious position", or "a vulnerable circumstance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a very fragile situation"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "a very fragile situation". The word "very" simply intensifies the adjective "fragile", emphasizing the degree of instability or sensitivity.

What's the difference between "a fragile situation" and "a tense situation"?

"A fragile situation" implies vulnerability and susceptibility to negative outcomes, while "a tense situation" suggests heightened stress and potential for conflict. They are related but focus on different aspects of the circumstance.