a lot at stake

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lot at stake" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is often used to refer to a situation in which someone stands to gain or lose a great deal. For example, "John has a lot at stake in tomorrow's election; victory would mean a great career advancement for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

America also has a lot at stake.

The New York Times

There is a lot at stake.

The New York Times - Food

"Yes, there is a lot at stake.

The New York Times

Nokia, too, has a lot at stake.

The New York Times

There was a lot at stake here.

The New Yorker

And there was a lot at stake.

Cornell University

They have a lot at stake.

Yale University

We've got a lot at stake.

Princeton University

There's a lot at stake for everyone".

The New York Times

And there is a lot at stake.

The Guardian

There's a lot at stake here.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lot at stake", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what stands to gain or lose. Providing specific details enhances the impact and relevance of the statement.

Common error

While "a lot at stake" is a useful phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using alternatives like "much is at risk" or "the stakes are high" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lot at stake" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing the high level of risk or potential gain involved in a situation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase used after linking verbs to describe the state of affairs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a lot at stake" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the significance of a situation and the potential gains or losses involved. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, particularly in news and academic sources. While highly versatile, remember to use alternatives sparingly to avoid repetition. Its meaning is clear and consistently applied, making it a reliable choice for expressing high-stakes scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the stakes are high

A more concise and emphatic way of saying "a lot at stake".

much is at risk

Focuses on the potential for negative outcomes or losses.

much is on the line

Emphasizes the direct consequences and potential impact of the situation.

there's much to lose

Concentrates on the potential negative consequences and losses.

a great deal depends on it

Highlights the reliance on a particular outcome for future success.

everything is riding on it

Suggests that the outcome will determine future success or failure.

the outcome is critical

Stresses the importance of the result and its potential impact.

significant consequences are involved

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the potential outcomes.

a high price to pay

Focuses on the potential negative consequences if things go wrong.

the future hangs in the balance

Emphasizes the uncertainty of the situation and the critical importance of the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "a lot at stake" in a sentence?

You can use "a lot at stake" to indicate that the outcome of a situation has significant consequences. For example, "The company has "a lot at stake" in this negotiation, as its future depends on it".

What are some alternatives to "a lot at stake"?

Alternatives include "much is at risk", "the stakes are high", or "much is on the line". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "a lot at stake" or "lots at stake"?

"A lot at stake" is more common and generally preferred. "Lots at stake" is also grammatically correct but less frequently used. It would be better to keep "a lot" to maintain a formal tone.

What's the difference between "a lot at stake" and "a great deal at stake"?

"A great deal at stake" emphasizes the quantity or significance even more than "a lot at stake", but both are used to describe high-stakes situations. The choice depends on how much emphasis you want to make.