a perilous activity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perilous activity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or task that involves significant risk or danger. Example: "Climbing Mount Everest without proper training is considered a perilous activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This can be a perilous activity.

The New Yorker

As long as DWB ("Driving While Black") in the presence of police remains a perilous activity for many African Americans throughout our nation, the Dream remains diluted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Grafting teeth from the dead to the living – a rudimentary form of dental implant dating from the days of Henry VIII – was now a perilous activity, in the course of which you were likely to end up with venereal disease from your donor.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In addition, butterflies at prairie roadsides were about half as likely to cross the road--a potentially perilous activity for butterflies.

Science Magazine

An important factor is that neither Google, nor any other company that is developing them, is convinced that enough people are willing to entrust to technology such a potentially perilous activity as driving.

The New York Times - Arts

Leave it to the West to import this perilous activity and make a documentary about it.

The New York Times - Arts

Blocking shots is perhaps the single most perilous activity athletes in any sport engage in.

The New Yorker

IN THIS week of all weeks, the celebrated observation of Harold Macmillan, a former British prime minister, that the thing he feared most was events should be engraved on the consciousness of anyone who indulges in the perilous activity of political forecasting.Even before the suicide bombers struck, who on May 6th would have predicted the change in Tony Blair's standing?

The Economist

But for many who embraced this somewhat ungainly and occasionally perilous activity, something may have seemed amiss: pleasure.

BBC

Rather than breaking up the banks or curtailing their more perilous activities, Geithner argued, the key was to make them more resilient.

The New Yorker

If parkour is lumped in with more perilous activities that bring its status into question, its custodians may not be able to apply for National Lottery sports funding and other grants.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "a perilous activity", be specific about the nature and source of the danger. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a perilous activity" when the risk is minimal or hypothetical. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perilous activity" functions as a noun phrase, where "perilous" modifies "activity". Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound. It serves to categorize a specific action or endeavor based on its inherent level of danger or risk, often highlighting the need for caution.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a perilous activity" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe actions with significant risk. Ludwig confirms its validity and offers examples from reliable news sources. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys danger and warrants careful usage to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "a hazardous undertaking" or "a risky venture" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to clearly identify the source and nature of the risk when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hazardous undertaking

Emphasizes the risk and effort involved, similar to an activity but framed as a project.

a dangerous pursuit

Highlights the potential harm involved in striving towards a goal.

a risky venture

Focuses on the uncertainty and potential for loss in a new endeavor.

a treacherous game

Implies hidden dangers and potential betrayal.

a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential for sudden negative change.

a thorny issue

Focuses on the problematic and complex nature of a situation.

a delicate operation

Implies the need for careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

a double-edged sword

Highlights the potential for both positive and negative outcomes.

a can of worms

Suggests a situation that, once opened or examined, will create a lot of new problems that were not there before.

a leap of faith

Emphasizes the need for trust and acceptance of risk in the absence of evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a perilous activity" to describe any action or task that carries significant risk. For example: "Rock climbing without safety gear is "a perilous activity"".

What are some alternatives to "a perilous activity"?

Alternatives include "a hazardous undertaking", "a dangerous pursuit", or "a risky venture", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify why an activity is described as "a perilous activity"?

While not always strictly necessary, specifying the reasons behind the perceived danger can strengthen your argument and provide context for your audience.

What's the difference between "a perilous activity" and "a precarious situation"?

"A perilous activity" refers to a specific action with inherent dangers, while "a precarious situation" describes a general state of instability or risk.