a perilous degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perilous degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of risk or danger that is significant or alarming. Example: "The project was progressing at a perilous degree, putting the entire team at risk of failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She writes: "What Jews make fun of in their own character reflects to a perilous degree what others object to.... Self-deprecation that is too clever, too constant, too 'deep,' may highlight the deformity it is trying to overcome".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The state-owned broadcaster's move from an obscure part of western Beijing to a new international business district highlights its global aspirations.For more than a year, passers-by have watched the 230-metre (750-foot) towers creep up at a perilous six-degree angle.

The Economist

It was a perilous process.

The New Yorker

IT'S a perilous process.

The New York Times

It is a perilous strategy.

The Economist

A perilous life.

The Guardian

It is a perilous exercise.

The Economist

They face a perilous future.

The Economist

Migration is a perilous journey.

The New York Times

This is a perilous situation.

The New York Times - Sports

This can be a perilous activity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a perilous degree" to describe situations where the level or intensity of a negative attribute (e.g., risk, danger, uncertainty) has reached a concerning point. It is most effective when you want to highlight not just the existence of the problem, but also its concerning magnitude.

Common error

Avoid using "a perilous degree" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it carries a level of formality that may seem out of place in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "very dangerous" or "extremely risky" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perilous degree" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent to which something is dangerous or risky. As shown in Ludwig, this construction adds emphasis to the severity of the situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a perilous degree" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a significant level of risk or danger. Ludwig AI indicates it's most commonly found in news and media, signaling a formal or neutral tone. While not overly frequent, its precision and impact make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for expressing concern or highlighting the severity of a situation. When choosing between alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, as options like "a dangerous level" or "a risky extent" may offer slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dangerous level

Focuses directly on the presence of danger, without necessarily implying a gradual increase.

a risky extent

Emphasizes the scope or magnitude of the risk involved.

a hazardous amount

Highlights the potential for harm or damage due to quantity or intensity.

a critical point

Suggests a juncture where the situation could easily worsen.

a precarious stage

Implies instability and vulnerability to adverse outcomes.

a grave magnitude

Emphasizes the seriousness and importance of the danger.

a sensitive area

Highlights the need for careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

an alarming rate

Indicates a rapid and worrying increase in something negative.

a threatening proportion

Emphasizes the scale of the threat.

a vulnerable state

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or negative influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a perilous degree" to describe a situation where something has become significantly risky or dangerous. For example, "The project was progressing at "a perilous degree", threatening the team's timeline and budget."

What are some alternatives to "a perilous degree"?

Alternatives include "a dangerous level", "a risky extent", or "a hazardous amount depending on the context".

Is "a perilous degree" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a perilous degree" is appropriate for formal writing. It adds a nuanced way to express the severity of a situation in professional or academic contexts.

What does "a perilous degree" mean?

"A perilous degree" signifies a level or extent of something that is dangerous or risky. It implies that the situation has escalated to a point where caution and careful consideration are necessary.