a perilous position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perilous position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is dangerous or risky, often implying a sense of urgency or seriousness. Example: "The hikers found themselves in a perilous position when the storm suddenly rolled in, leaving them stranded on the mountain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We are in a perilous position, but there were positives from that performance.

The Guardian - Sport

All of this leaves Romney in a perilous position.

The New York Times

A perilous position to be in, but I'm stuck with it because Violet is happier alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the short term Muntari seemed to have put his team in a perilous position.

The Guardian - Sport

Kim needed one more out to put the Yankees in a perilous position last night.

The New York Times - Sports

But on a rainy afternoon last month, Licari, aka Mr. Blond, was in a perilous position.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The Washington Post

The intervention is one of the Tories' starkest warnings that Britain's public finances are in a perilous position.

The Guardian

Snowden and Manning have voluntarily put people in a war-zone (Manning) and broad national security elements (Snowden) in a perilous position.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Argentina's Diego Maradona is in a more perilous position after his team was destroyed at high altitude in Bolivia.

The New York Times - Sports

A long history of irresponsible borrowing and spending by previous governors and legislators has left New Jersey in a particularly perilous position.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a perilous position" when you want to emphasize the presence of immediate danger or significant risk. It's stronger than simply saying something is "difficult" or "challenging".

Common error

Avoid using "a perilous position" in situations that are only mildly inconvenient or slightly risky. This phrase implies a serious threat and using it inappropriately can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perilous position" functions as a noun phrase, with "perilous" acting as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "position". Ludwig indicates this phrase is used in English to describe a dangerous state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a perilous position" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations fraught with danger or risk. As indicated by Ludwig, its primary function is to alert or inform about the severity of a state, making it suitable for contexts where a serious tone is necessary. Predominantly found in news and academic sources, it conveys a sense of urgency and potential harm. When employing this phrase, remember to reserve it for truly dangerous scenarios and avoid overuse in casual contexts. Consider alternative phrases like ""a dangerous predicament"" or ""a precarious situation"" to fine-tune the specific shade of meaning. Understanding the phrase's nuance and appropriate usage will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dangerous predicament

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential danger of the situation.

a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of the circumstances.

a hazardous state

Focuses on the inherent risks and potential harm involved.

a risky circumstance

Underlines the potential for negative outcomes or failure.

a vulnerable spot

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or attack.

a critical juncture

Suggests a turning point with significant potential consequences.

a tight corner

Implies a difficult situation with limited options.

an exposed flank

Draws an analogy to military vulnerability.

on thin ice

Indicates a precarious state where a mistake could lead to trouble.

between a rock and a hard place

Conveys a situation with two equally unpleasant options.

FAQs

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

You can use "a perilous position" to describe someone or something facing immediate danger or significant risk. For example, "The company's financial instability put it in "a perilous position"".

What are some alternatives to "a perilous position"?

Alternatives include "a dangerous predicament", "a precarious situation", or "a risky circumstance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "a" before "perilous position"?

Yes, the indefinite article "a" is typically necessary because you are usually referring to a specific instance of being in danger. Omitting "a" would be grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "a perilous position" and "a vulnerable position"?

"A perilous position" emphasizes immediate danger and risk, while "a vulnerable position" suggests susceptibility to harm or attack, not necessarily an immediate threat. The former highlights the presence of current danger; the latter, the potential for it.