a major predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or serious problem or difficult situation someone is facing. Example: "The company found itself in a major predicament when its main supplier went out of business unexpectedly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Trust me," she said, "I'm in a major predicament".

The New York Times

Serge Elkiner, CEO/Co-Founder, says the tokenization system "drastically reduces" the fraud for card-not-present transactions, which is a major predicament in Latin America.

TechCrunch

Energy problems seems to be a major predicament limiting SMEs growth in Nigeria and this has continually hindered the existence of virile business environment and led to increasing high cost of production and doing business in Nigeria.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mushir al-Masri, a Hamas Gaza official "The state of paralysis that was revealed by these results reflects the major predicament currently undergone by the Hebrew state, out of which its political elite seems to be incapable of leading it, whether through peace or war".

The Guardian

Taleb suggests that debt, our major predicament because of the necessity to repay it, makes us all vulnerable to forecasting errors.

Forbes

One of the great virtues of "Leviathan," and a source of its surprising spaciousness, is how zealously the director, Andrey Zvyagintsev, takes time to follow minor characters to a point where their predicaments strike a major chord.

The New Yorker

Harvey said the team's predicament was not a major surprise, given the journey the club was on.

BBC

- The predicament of the patient has a major impact on what turns out to be the outcome.

BMC Family Practice

I had overcome a major incident, so felt certain I could handle less serious predicaments that might come my way.

The Guardian - Travel

Ten years ago, we saw a major shift in the television landscape, which set the stage for the current peak TV predicament.

Vice

A major, major talent.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a major predicament" when you want to emphasize the significance or seriousness of a difficult situation. It conveys a sense of urgency or concern.

Common error

Avoid using "a major predicament" for trivial problems. This can diminish its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic. Reserve it for genuinely serious or critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major predicament" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing a state of difficulty or crisis. Ludwig shows its usability through varied examples across different domains.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major predicament" is a phrase used to describe a serious and significant difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical usage is valid, though relatively rare, and typically found in news, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's essential to reserve this phrase for situations of genuine severity to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "a serious dilemma" or "a grave crisis" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious dilemma

Emphasizes the difficulty of choosing between equally unfavorable options.

a difficult situation

Provides a general description of trouble without specifying its nature.

a grave crisis

Highlights the severity and potential consequences of the problem.

a tough spot

Offers a more informal way to describe a challenging situation.

a sticky situation

Implies a situation that is difficult to resolve and may involve complications.

a troublesome state

Highlights the problematic or worrying aspect of the current situation.

a dire strait

Emphasizes the extreme difficulty and potential danger of the situation.

a critical juncture

Focuses on the importance of the current moment for future outcomes.

a significant challenge

Underlines the demanding nature of the situation and the effort required to overcome it.

a complicated matter

Highlights the complexity and intricacy of the issue at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major predicament" to describe a very difficult or serious situation. For example: "The company found itself in "a major predicament" after losing its biggest client."

What are some alternatives to saying "a major predicament"?

Alternatives to "a major predicament" include "a serious dilemma", "a difficult situation", or "a grave crisis", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a major predicament"?

No, "a major predicament" is best used when describing situations that are genuinely serious or critical. Overusing it for minor issues can dilute its impact. Consider the intensity of the problem before using this phrase.

What makes "a major predicament" different from "a minor predicament"?

"A major predicament" implies a situation with significant consequences and difficulties, while "a minor predicament" suggests a less serious or easily resolvable issue. The choice depends on the actual severity of the situation.