a hazardous proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hazardous proposition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or idea that poses significant risk or danger. Example: "Investing in that startup without proper research is a hazardous proposition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Historically, creative collaboration has proved to be a hazardous proposition for relationships.

The New York Times - Magazine

And "The Group Of Geoff" presents a hazardous proposition.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is a risky proposition.

The New York Times

It is a risky proposition.

Forbes

It was a risky proposition.

Forbes

Investing in options is a risky proposition.

WikiHow

Binary options trading is a risky proposition.

WikiHow

This is a hazardous strategy.

The Guardian

It was a hazardous tactic.

The New Yorker

Succession remains a hazardous business.

The Guardian

Launching can be a hazardous operation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a hazardous proposition", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the hazard. Provide specific details about the potential risks involved to strengthen your argument or warning.

Common error

Avoid using "a hazardous proposition" when the risk is minimal or speculative. Overstating the hazard can undermine your credibility and make your assessment seem exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hazardous proposition" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something that presents a risk or danger. Ludwig indicates its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hazardous proposition" is a noun phrase used to describe something that involves significant risk or danger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in news and media contexts. While not overly common, understanding its usage and appropriate alternatives, such as "a risky undertaking" or "a dangerous venture", can enhance the precision and impact of your writing. Remember to clearly articulate the nature of the hazard when using this phrase to ensure clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a risky undertaking

Replaces 'proposition' with 'undertaking', emphasizing the action or project carries risk.

a dangerous venture

Substitutes 'hazardous' with 'dangerous' and 'proposition' with 'venture', highlighting the potential for harm.

a perilous situation

Changes 'hazardous' to 'perilous' and 'proposition' to 'situation', focusing on the dangerous circumstances.

a precarious plan

Replaces 'hazardous' with 'precarious' and 'proposition' with 'plan', stressing the instability and uncertainty of the plan.

a treacherous scheme

Uses 'treacherous' instead of 'hazardous' and 'scheme' instead of 'proposition', indicating potential deception and danger.

a dicey situation

Employs 'dicey' for 'hazardous', implying a gamble or uncertain outcome in a situation.

a chancy endeavor

Replaces 'hazardous' with 'chancy' and 'proposition' with 'endeavor', suggesting that success is not guaranteed and involves risk.

a problematic idea

Substitutes 'hazardous' with 'problematic', focusing on the potential issues associated with the idea.

a delicate matter

Uses 'delicate' instead of 'hazardous' focusing on the fact that care and skill are needed in addressing it.

a fraught prospect

Changes 'hazardous' to 'fraught' and 'proposition' to 'prospect', emphasizing the anxiety and stress involved.

FAQs

How can I use "a hazardous proposition" in a sentence?

You can use "a hazardous proposition" to describe something that involves significant risk or danger. For example: "Investing in unproven technologies is often "a hazardous proposition"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a hazardous proposition"?

Alternatives include "a risky undertaking", "a dangerous venture", or "a perilous situation", depending on the specific context.

Is "a hazardous proposition" the same as "a risky proposition"?

While similar, "a hazardous proposition" often implies a higher degree of danger than "a risky proposition". "Hazardous" suggests a greater potential for harm or loss.

When is it appropriate to use "a hazardous proposition"?

Use "a hazardous proposition" when you want to emphasize the potential for significant negative consequences or danger associated with a particular action, plan, or idea.