a precarious place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or location that is unstable, risky, or uncertain. Example: "Living in a precarious place, she often worried about her safety and future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It was a precarious place to be.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jackson viewed the world as a precarious place.

The New York Times - Health

Local government in England stands in a precarious place.

The Guardian

The moral high ground is a precarious place to occupy.

The Guardian - Sport

That was a precarious place to be when the real estate bubble began to leak.

The New York Times - Magazine

That was a precarious place to be when the property bubble began to leak.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Due to the subsidized energy price, the power companies are placed in a precarious position, making it difficult for them to raise funds to invest themselves or pay their suppliers.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

The abdominal region of a dramatic soprano's body would seem a very precarious place to have surgical intervention.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not all that surprising — it's a somewhat precarious place where you could easily break a phone — but those destinations should also be homes, coffee shops, or even for travelers who just accidentally smashed their phones.

TechCrunch

People will wonder why I didn't make more of a fuss at the station, but Manchester was a very precarious place for gay men back then.

The Guardian

Tabibian had placed himself in a precarious position.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precarious place", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it about physical danger, instability, or vulnerability? Choose the phrase that best captures the essence of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a precarious place" in overly casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "a risky spot" or "an unstable area" might be more appropriate for everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious place" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a location or situation characterized by instability, risk, or uncertainty. It often modifies a noun to provide context about the inherent danger or insecurity associated with it, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precarious place" is a versatile phrase used to describe situations or locations marked by instability, risk, or uncertainty. As Ludwig points out, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it conveys a sense of vulnerability, related alternatives like "a risky location" or "a dangerous situation" may be more fitting depending on the intended nuance. It's best to avoid overusing this phrase in informal conversation, opting for simpler terms instead. Ultimately, this expression is a useful tool in writing, whether academic or journalistic, when accurately portraying instability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a risky location

Focuses on the element of potential danger or harm.

an unstable environment

Emphasizes the lack of stability and potential for sudden change.

a dangerous situation

Highlights the presence of immediate threat or hazard.

a vulnerable position

Stresses the susceptibility to attack or harm.

a sensitive area

Indicates the potential for causing offense or sparking conflict.

a delicate situation

Highlights the need for careful handling to avoid negative consequences.

an exposed position

Focuses on the lack of protection or cover.

a compromised location

Indicates that the integrity or security has been breached.

a threatened space

Emphasizes the presence of an external force or condition that poses a danger.

a treacherous spot

Highlights the deceptiveness and potential for betrayal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precarious place" to describe situations or locations characterized by instability, risk, or uncertainty. For instance, "The political landscape is "a precarious place" right now."

What are some alternatives to saying "a precarious place"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "a risky location", "an unstable environment", or "a dangerous situation".

When is it appropriate to use "a precarious place" in writing?

"A precarious place" is suitable for both formal and informal writing when you need to convey a sense of instability or danger. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and literary works.

What makes "a precarious place" different from "a dangerous place"?

While both phrases imply potential harm, "a precarious place" emphasizes instability and uncertainty, whereas "a dangerous place" directly highlights the presence of immediate threats.