a perilous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perilous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is dangerous or risky. Example: "The climbers faced a perilous journey as they ascended the treacherous mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IT'S a perilous process.

The New York Times

It was a perilous process.

The New Yorker

It is a perilous strategy.

The Economist

It is a perilous exercise.

The Economist

They face a perilous future.

The Economist

A perilous life.

The Guardian

THE world is a perilous place.

The New York Times

This can be a perilous activity.

The New Yorker

But it was a perilous life.

The Economist

It was a perilous act of resistance.

The New York Times

Dining with disciples is a perilous business).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a perilous" to add a sense of gravity and impending danger to your writing, making it suitable for describing high-stakes situations or risky ventures.

Common error

Avoid using "a perilous" in everyday situations that don't warrant such strong language; it can sound melodramatic. Opt for words like "difficult" or "challenging" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perilous" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It describes a noun, adding a layer of danger, risk, or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a perilous" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe situations, journeys, or endeavors characterized by significant danger or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and prevalence in various contexts, particularly within news and media. While effective in conveying a sense of high stakes, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding melodramatic in less critical situations. Alternatives such as "a dangerous" or "a risky" can offer a more nuanced expression depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dangerous

Focuses more directly on the presence of danger.

a risky

Emphasizes the possibility of negative outcomes.

a hazardous

Highlights potential for harm or damage.

a precarious

Suggests instability and uncertainty.

a treacherous

Implies hidden dangers and betrayal.

a grave

Conveys a sense of serious threat.

a critical

Emphasizes the importance and potential for failure.

a sensitive

Suggests a delicate situation requiring careful handling.

a testing

Highlights the challenging nature of the situation.

a thorny

Implies difficulty and complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "a perilous" in a sentence?

You can use "a perilous" to describe situations filled with danger or risk, such as "The journey through the jungle was "a perilous" undertaking".

What are some alternatives to "a perilous"?

Alternatives to "a perilous" include "a dangerous", "a risky", or "a hazardous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a perilous" to describe a feeling?

While "a perilous" typically describes situations or journeys, it's less common to describe feelings directly with it. Instead, consider using adjectives like "anxious", "fearful", or "uncertain".

What makes something "a perilous" rather than just dangerous?

"A perilous" often suggests a more immediate and severe threat than simply "dangerous". It implies a high likelihood of harm or failure, adding a sense of urgency and consequence.