a great peril

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great peril" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant danger or risk in various contexts, such as literature, discussions about safety, or when describing a challenging situation. Example: "The explorers found themselves in a great peril as the storm approached, threatening their survival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In 2008 the office supplies company Staples decided that buying paper from APP presented a "great peril to our brand".

The Guardian

As long as my conscience is held captive by the words of God, I cannot and will not revoke anything, for it is dangerous, and a great peril to salvation, to act against conscience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Reverse engineering is a great peril for hardware security especially when functional behavior extraction is required.

Microprocessors and Microsystems

McCain took advantage of the brief encounter with the press to tout his own candidacy saying that "it will be a clear choice this November and and I believe my life has prepared me" to lead America in a time of a great peril.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A greater peril than obvious, quid-pro-quo bribes is posed by systemic corruption, he says, in which voters regard the whole system as rigged.

The New Yorker

At a time when Mr. Bush's threat to use military force against Iraq poses a greater peril to the 65-year-old Mr. Hussein than any in his 23 years in power, it is the same wherever a traveler goes.

The New York Times

The American occupiers had anyway pushed Japan in a conservative direction as early as 1948, when the risk of communist revolution in Japan and China to say nothing of the Soviet threat had come to be seen as a greater peril than militarism.

The Economist

S.U.V.'s and large pickup trucks are an important factor in this, both because these vehicles pose a greater peril to cars they hit and because they tend to roll over more than cars do, making them more dangerous to their own occupants.

The New York Times

But we hope that as you forge legislation, you are mindful that we cannot support legislation that will mitigate one risk only to put our coasts at a greater peril from another source".

Huffington Post

"If I could write my own epitaph and if I had to choose between saying, 'Here lies an unimportant president' or 'Here lies one who contributed to saving freedom at a moment of great peril,' " he told a friend, "I would prefer the latter".

The New York Times

This is an idiotic statement by someone Obama considers brilliant, or as the president put it when Summers left the White House in September 2010 to get back into the big money game: "I will always be grateful that at a time of great peril for our country, a man of Larry's brilliance, experience and judgment was willing to answer the call and lead our economic team".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great peril", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature and scope of the danger to maximize impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a great peril" in casual or informal settings. The phrase is generally more suitable for formal writing or serious discussions. Using it inappropriately can sound overly dramatic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great peril" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a situation or entity as possessing a high degree of danger or risk. Ludwig examples show it describing threats to brands, salvation, and security.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great peril" is a noun phrase used to denote a significant and immediate danger. Grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts such as news reports or serious discussions, this phrase serves to emphasize the gravity of a situation. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while not as common as simpler alternatives, it is a recognizable and appropriate expression. Related phrases include "a serious danger" and "a grave risk", offering varying degrees of emphasis. When using "a great peril", it's best to reserve it for scenarios that warrant a more serious and formal tone, to avoid sounding overly dramatic. The expression appears in a variety of authoritative sources, like The New York Times and The Guardian. Overall, "a great peril" is a valid and descriptive expression when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious danger

Replaces "great peril" with a more direct and common expression of danger.

a significant threat

Emphasizes the potential harm or negative impact, focusing on the source of the peril.

a grave risk

Highlights the potential for negative consequences, suggesting a serious gamble.

a major hazard

Focuses on the presence of a danger that could cause harm or damage.

a looming danger

Suggests an impending threat, implying that the peril is approaching.

a present danger

Highlights the immediacy of the threat, indicating that the peril is current and active.

a clear and present danger

Emphasizes that the threat is both obvious and immediate, warranting urgent action.

a dangerous situation

Describes the overall context as being fraught with potential harm.

a risky proposition

Highlights the element of uncertainty and potential loss associated with a particular course of action.

a precarious position

Emphasizes the instability and potential for collapse or failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great peril" to describe situations of significant danger or risk. For example: "The journey through the uncharted territory presented "a great peril" to the explorers."

What are some alternatives to "a great peril"?

Some alternatives include "a serious danger", "a significant threat", or "a grave risk", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a great peril" a common phrase?

While not as common as simpler alternatives like "danger" or "risk", "a great peril" is a recognizable and appropriate phrase, especially in formal or literary contexts. Ludwig AI suggests that it's less common but correct.

What distinguishes "a great peril" from "a risk"?

"A great peril" implies a more immediate and severe danger than a general "risk". While a risk might be a possibility of harm, "a great peril" suggests a more certain and significant threat.