a like predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a like predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is similar to another situation, often in a context where comparisons are being made. Example: "After hearing about her friend's struggles, she realized she was in a like predicament, facing similar challenges in her own life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Tests for intelligence might ask people to recite a string of digits backward, define a word like "predicament," identify what an egg and a seed have in common or assemble four triangles into a square.

It would thus seem that unbounded doubt interpretations leave us in a Sisyphus-like predicament.

He added that cities like Pune and Kolkata, which were settled later, will soon face a similar predicament.

Today, Datong faces a similar predicament.

"Harry" is in a similar predicament.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tests for intelligence might ask people to recite a string of digits backward, define a word like "predicament," identify what an egg and a seed have in common or assemble four triangles into a square.

The New York Times - Magazine

It would thus seem that unbounded doubt interpretations leave us in a Sisyphus-like predicament.

SEP

He added that cities like Pune and Kolkata, which were settled later, will soon face a similar predicament.

The New York Times

Today, Datong faces a similar predicament.

The Guardian

"Harry" is in a similar predicament.

Vice

He cited a 1974 federal statute, part of the Truth in Lending Act — 15 U.S.C. section 1666i, if you're interested — that states, essentially, that people in Premier Cru-like predicaments have the legal right to withhold payment from, in this instance, American Express.

The New York Times

It is not uncommon here for pro-government media to attribute to a Jewish conspiracy episodes like the predicament of Mr. Ramírez, who was seized in a hospital room in Sudan in 1994 by French agents acting on a tip from the C.I.A. and then wrapped in a burlap bag and flown to Paris on an executive jet.

The New York Times

For one thing, Duncan is a rather vaporous character, a nice, kind boy whose missing memory feels more like a literary predicament than a real affliction.

The New York Times - Books

This may seem like a surprising predicament for the Lakers to be in with James, but let's face it, the expectations for this team and this season changed the moment Paul George spurned Los Angeles for Oklahoma City.

Los Angeles Times

Hewitt, 24, is a handful for anybody, but especially for a player like Dent, whose predicament boiled down to whether he should stay back and try to trade baseline strokes with one of the game's finest retrievers or go to the net and risk being pinned by Hewitt's precision.

The New York Times

Instead, the president sends a lieutenant and a sergeant to explain how a group of players under their charge wound up in a predicament like this.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a like predicament", ensure that the comparison is clear and relevant to the context. Providing specific details about both situations can enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a like predicament" without clearly establishing what the predicament is being compared to. Vague comparisons can weaken your argument and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a like predicament" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing a state of difficulty or trouble that is similar to another. Ludwig AI confirms this, as seen in examples like "cities like Pune and Kolkata, which were settled later, will soon face a similar predicament".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a like predicament" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a situation similar to another, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While "a similar predicament" is more common, "a like predicament" remains a valid option. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to draw comparisons between challenging situations. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and relevant. Alternatives like "a similar plight" or "a comparable situation" can be used to achieve similar effects. Remember to avoid vague comparisons for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a matching predicament

Focuses on the identical or closely similar nature of the difficult situation.

a similar plight

Emphasizes the distressing or unfortunate nature of the situation.

a comparable situation

Highlights the similarity in circumstances between two or more scenarios.

a parallel dilemma

Focuses on the challenging or perplexing nature of the situation, drawing a parallel to another.

an analogous circumstance

Stresses the analogy or resemblance in the set of conditions.

a related quandary

Highlights the confusing or uncertain aspect of the situation.

a corresponding difficulty

Focuses on the matching or similar challenges faced.

a kindred problem

Emphasizes the shared nature or commonality of the issue.

an equivalent crisis

Highlights the severity and critical nature of the situation.

a duplicate hardship

Highlights the replicated nature of the suffering or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "a like predicament" in a sentence?

You can use "a like predicament" to describe a situation that is similar or comparable to another. For example: "After hearing about her friend's struggles, she realized she was in "a like predicament", facing similar challenges in her own life."

What are some alternatives to "a like predicament"?

Some alternatives to "a like predicament" include "a similar plight", "a comparable situation", or "a parallel dilemma".

Is it better to say "a like predicament" or "a similar predicament"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "a similar predicament" is more commonly used and may sound more natural to contemporary ears. "A like predicament" is slightly less frequent but perfectly acceptable.

What is the difference between "a like predicament" and "a matching predicament"?

"A like predicament" indicates a general similarity, while "a matching predicament" suggests a higher degree of correspondence or exactness between two situations. Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of similarity you wish to convey.