a precarious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is unstable, uncertain, or risky. Example: "The company found itself in a precarious financial position after the sudden market downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a precarious existence.

The Economist

Life is a precarious balance.

The New York Times

It is a precarious path.

Harvard University

They have to maintain a precarious balance.

The Economist

Europe remains in a precarious economic state.

The New York Times

"WE FIND OURSELVESin a precarious situation".

The New York Times - Magazine

The N.F.L. is in a precarious position.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is a precarious association.

The New York Times - Arts

The program is on a precarious ledge.

The New York Times

He had had a precarious life.

The Economist

Now "religionists" have enforced a precarious order.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precarious" to describe situations where stability is threatened, but not yet lost. This implies a chance to recover or avert danger.

Common error

Avoid using "a precarious" when the situation is already definitively disastrous. "Precarious" implies a possibility of failure, not a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically describing its state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights instability or uncertainty, setting the stage for potential negative outcomes. It is used to qualify nouns like "situation", "position", or "existence".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a precarious" is a common and versatile way to describe situations characterized by instability, risk, or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and applicable across various domains, from news and media to academic writing. While alternatives like "risky" or "delicate" exist, "a precarious" often strikes a balance between formality and accessibility. Use it to underscore the potential for negative outcomes, but avoid overstating the severity when the situation is already beyond recovery. Remember to clearly articulate the specific risks involved to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a risky

Emphasizes the potential for negative outcomes or danger, focusing on the inherent risk involved.

a delicate

Highlights the need for careful handling and sensitivity, suggesting a situation that could easily be disrupted.

an unstable

Focuses on the lack of stability and the potential for sudden changes or collapse.

a vulnerable

Stresses susceptibility to harm or attack, indicating a lack of protection or defense.

a perilous

Emphasizes the high level of danger and the potential for serious harm or loss.

a fragile

Indicates the ease with which something can be broken or damaged, both physically and metaphorically.

a tenuous

Suggests a weak or uncertain connection or hold, implying a lack of solidity or strength.

a shaky

Implies a lack of firmness or reliability, suggesting instability or uncertainty.

an uncertain

Highlights the lack of definite knowledge or predictability, emphasizing the unknown nature of the situation.

a parlous

A more formal or archaic synonym for dangerous, emphasizing the severity of the risk.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precarious" to describe situations that are unstable, risky, or uncertain. For example, "The company's financial situation is "a precarious" one after the recent market downturn."

What phrases can I use instead of "a precarious"?

You can use alternatives like "a risky", "a delicate", or "an unstable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a precarious situation" or "a dangerous situation"?

While both describe risk, "a precarious situation" implies more instability and uncertainty, whereas "a dangerous situation" emphasizes immediate threat or harm.

What's the nuance between "a precarious balance" and "a fragile balance"?

"A precarious balance" suggests a situation that could easily be upset due to inherent instability, while "a fragile balance" implies vulnerability to external forces or shocks.