a precarious position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable, risky, or uncertain, often implying potential danger or difficulty. Example: "After the sudden market crash, the company found itself in a precarious position, struggling to maintain its financial stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Sports

That leaves Calipari in a precarious position.

The New York Times - Magazine

The NLD is in a precarious position.

The Guardian

It puts us in a precarious position.

The Guardian

Argentina are in a precarious position.

The Guardian - Sport

That leaves Clemens in a precarious position.

The New York Times - Sports

Stephen was also in a precarious position.

The New York Times

We are in a precarious position.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, the victory left the Brotherhood in a precarious position.

The New Yorker

But it still leaves public unions in a precarious position.

The New Yorker

"It puts us in a precarious position," Mr. Reina said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precarious position", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Vulnerable" emphasizes susceptibility, while "risky" highlights potential negative outcomes. Choose the word that best fits the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a precarious position" in very informal contexts. While generally acceptable, alternatives like "a tight spot" might be more appropriate in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious position" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state or situation. It typically acts as a subject complement, object complement, or prepositional object, indicating that someone or something is in a risky or unstable state. Ludwig examples show its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a precarious position" is a common and correct way to describe a situation characterized by instability, risk, and potential danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the specific nuances you want to convey; alternatives like "a vulnerable position" or "a risky situation" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Avoid using it in very informal settings where phrases like "a tight spot" might be better suited. By understanding its usage and alternatives, you can effectively communicate the degree of risk and uncertainty in any given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vulnerable position

This alternative emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack.

a risky situation

This alternative focuses on the potential for negative outcomes or failure.

an unstable situation

This alternative highlights the lack of stability and the potential for sudden change.

a delicate situation

This suggests a situation that requires careful handling to avoid problems.

a tight spot

This is a more informal way of saying that someone is in a difficult situation with limited options.

a difficult predicament

This alternative emphasizes the challenging and troublesome nature of the situation.

a dangerous situation

This alternative highlights the potential for harm or negative consequences.

an exposed position

This emphasizes a lack of protection or defense.

a compromised situation

This implies that integrity or security has been undermined.

a vulnerable state

This focuses on the overall condition of being susceptible to negative influences or harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precarious position" to describe situations that are unstable, risky, or uncertain. For example, "After the scandal, the politician's career was in "a precarious position"".

What are some alternatives to "a precarious position"?

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

Is it more appropriate to use "a precarious position" or "a difficult situation"?

"A precarious position" often implies a higher level of risk or instability than "a difficult situation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of danger or uncertainty you want to emphasize.

What does it mean to say someone is in "a precarious position"?

To say someone is in "a precarious position" means they are in a situation that is unstable, uncertain, and possibly dangerous. It suggests that their current state could easily worsen.