a grave peril

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave peril" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious and significant danger or threat in various contexts, such as literature, formal writing, or discussions about risks. Example: "The explorers found themselves in a grave peril as the storm approached, threatening their safety and survival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the same ties may persuade Europeans to avert a graver peril: the notion that they can safely refuse to help one another out.

The Economist

Involved with them, and of their time, there was a different set of legends, and these too breathe in Claudius's pages, a nostalgia for the republic that was never to return, not in its disordered latter days but in its prime of discipline and virtue, a remote past exemplified by heroes like Cincinnatus, who in the fifth century BC at a time of grave peril to Rome, was elected dictator.

The Guardian - Books

Hartlepool United's 96-year grip on a Football League place is in grave peril and a defeat at Cheltenham Town, two places and four points above them in League Two, may be enough to apply the final wound with a game to spare.

The Guardian - Sport

There is no question, then, that we are entering a time of potentially grave peril for the planet and for many of the industries that promise a sustainable long term future.

The Guardian

There are fears that Cameron's position could be in grave peril at a post-election meeting of the 1922 Committee, which has been brought forward to the Monday after polling day on 7 May, if the Tories fail to get a healthy lead over Labour in the Commons.

The Guardian

But the president's indifference to the church-state barrier is especially perplexing at a time when this country faces grave peril from religious fundamentalists abroad who aspire to theocracy.

The New York Times

This time he was on another rescue mission, for his younger brother, Jeb, and a once-promising candidacy now in grave peril.

Los Angeles Times

With familiar gameplay and a penchant for putting its heroine in grave peril, Rise of the Tomb Raider shows enough promise to be called a genuine competitor to Naughty Dog's upcoming Uncharted 4, set for release in March 2016.

Independent

But one night, he makes a chance discovery in a dustbin that reveals an international conspiracy, but also puts his own life in grave peril.

Independent

As Brendan Gill remarked in his 1969 review of "Portnoy's Complaint": "Obscenity is a notable enhancer of life and is suppressed at grave peril to the arts".

The New Yorker

It is his latest effort to draw attention to the public interest requirements of local stations at a time when he believes American journalism is in "grave peril".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grave peril" to underscore the seriousness and potential consequences of a dangerous situation. It adds a sense of formality and urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave peril" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "serious danger" or "big risk" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave peril" functions as a noun phrase, serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a state of serious danger or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave peril" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation of serious danger or risk. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound. While the phrase itself is correct, its higher register makes it more suitable for formal contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the audience and the tone you wish to convey, reserving "a grave peril" for situations where a serious and formal tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious danger

Focuses on the danger aspect, simplifying the intensity.

a critical threat

Highlights the threatening nature of the situation.

a dire risk

Emphasizes the severe potential consequences.

a hazardous situation

Describes the circumstances as being fraught with hazard.

a precarious state

Indicates instability and vulnerability.

a looming crisis

Suggests an impending and significant problem.

an imminent threat

Highlights the closeness and immediacy of the danger.

a dangerous predicament

Focuses on the difficult and risky nature of the situation.

a severe jeopardy

Emphasizes the exposure to potential harm or loss.

a substantial risk

Highlights the size and importance of risk.

FAQs

How can I use "a grave peril" in a sentence?

You can use "a grave peril" to describe a situation of significant danger or risk. For example, "The explorers found themselves in "a grave peril" as the storm approached".

What can I say instead of "a grave peril"?

You can use alternatives like "a serious danger", "a critical threat", or "a dire risk" depending on the specific context.

Is "grave danger" semantically similar to "a grave peril"?

Yes, "grave danger" is semantically similar to ""a grave peril"". Both phrases describe a situation of serious and imminent threat, though "a grave peril" carries a slightly more formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "a grave peril" over other similar phrases?

Use "a grave peril" when you want to emphasize the significant and potentially far-reaching consequences of a dangerous situation, particularly in formal or literary contexts. Consider alternative phrases for everyday speech or less critical situations.