a perilous place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perilous place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location that is dangerous or risky, often in a figurative or literal sense. Example: "The explorers ventured into a perilous place, fraught with treacherous cliffs and unpredictable weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

THE world is a perilous place.

The New York Times

Honduras is a perilous place for activism.

The Guardian

The romantic playing field in "Supporting Characters" is a perilous place fraught with jealousy and competition.

The New York Times

The uprisings in the Arab world have made the region a perilous place for journalists.

The New York Times

And now it seems a perilous place of inundated cities and contaminated air and undrinkable water.

The New York Times - Travel

Helio thus becomes the latest reminder that the wireless industry remains a perilous place for startups.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"We have a responsibility to ensure this club is never again placed in a perilous position," Sullivan and Gold continued in the statement.

Independent

Before sunrise, all seven outposts were firmly in North Vietnamese hands, so U.S. and allied soldiers were placed in a perilous position.

Wikipedia

What is new is that many of them are negotiating that adolescence alone, in a particularly perilous place.

The New Yorker

One of the most famous black-sand beaches in the world is a potentially perilous place to hang out.

HuffPost

This placed the company in a perilous position when the economic crisis and credit crunch exploded in late summer.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract situations or concepts, consider if a more specific term like "risky venture" or "dangerous precedent" might be more impactful than the general "a perilous place".

Common error

While "perilous" is a strong word, it can sound overly dramatic in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler synonyms like "dangerous" or "risky" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perilous place" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a location characterized by danger or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a perilous place" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a location fraught with danger or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used correctly across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While synonyms like "dangerous area" or "hazardous location" exist, "a perilous place" carries a slightly more intense connotation of imminent threat. Although versatile, it is best suited for descriptive and analytical writing, with careful consideration to avoid overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dangerous area

Replaces "perilous" with "dangerous", focusing on the presence of hazards.

a hazardous location

Substitutes "perilous" with "hazardous", emphasizing potential harm or risk.

a risky spot

Uses "risky" instead of "perilous" and "spot" instead of "place", suggesting potential negative consequences.

a treacherous environment

Replaces "perilous" with "treacherous" and "place" with "environment", highlighting deception and hidden dangers.

an unsafe zone

Uses "unsafe" instead of "perilous" and "zone" instead of "place", focusing on the lack of security.

a precarious situation

Shifts the focus from a physical location to a state of affairs, highlighting instability and uncertainty.

a vulnerable position

Emphasizes susceptibility to harm or attack, rather than inherent danger in the location itself.

a threatening locale

Substitutes "perilous" with "threatening" and "place" with "locale", suggesting an impending danger or menace.

a critical juncture

Transforms the meaning to a crucial point in time or a turning point, rather than a dangerous location.

a difficult predicament

Changes the focus to a challenging or problematic situation, rather than a physically dangerous place.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a perilous place"?

You can use alternatives like "a dangerous area", "a hazardous location", or "a risky spot" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a perilous place" in formal writing?

Yes, "a perilous place" is appropriate for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of danger or risk.

How does "a perilous place" differ from "a dangerous place"?

While similar, "a dangerous place" is more general, while "a perilous place" suggests a more imminent or severe threat. "Perilous" often implies a sense of being fraught with risk or uncertainty.

Can "a perilous place" be used figuratively?

Yes, "a perilous place" can be used figuratively to describe situations that are risky or uncertain, such as "The stock market can be a perilous place for inexperienced investors".