a precarious site

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious site" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location that is unstable, risky, or subject to danger, often in contexts related to construction, environmental issues, or social situations. Example: "The archaeologists were concerned about the artifacts at the precarious site, as heavy rains could easily wash them away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Neighbours and relatives in the city find a precarious site where a shelter can be built out of industrial detritus - close to the bubbling black water of a stagnant canal, on the dangerous scree of a stony slope.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Densu Delta in western Greater Accra is a prime example where buildings have been erected outside formally regulated urban development, in an ecologically precarious site.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction

"WE FIND OURSELVESin a precarious situation".

The New York Times - Magazine

Hospitals are in a precarious situation.

The Guardian - Books

"It's a precarious situation," Tortorella said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a precarious situation.

The New York Times

Microsoft is in a precarious situation.

TechCrunch

"It's kind of a precarious situation".

Huffington Post

"These children are in a precarious situation.

Unicef

It hangs 200 feet above Benedict Canyon in Los Angeles, cost more than a million dollars and took 13 years to complete because of its precarious site.

The New York Times - Magazine

The long climb up and the hot days scratching away in the quarry gave me plenty of time to think about what compelled me to go to the precarious site.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing construction or environmental scenarios, use "a precarious site" to underscore the potential for instability or danger due to natural or man-made factors. This adds a layer of caution and awareness to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "a precarious site" metaphorically when referring to abstract situations. This phrase is most effective when describing literal physical locations that pose a risk. Instead use a phrase like "a precarious situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious site" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that a particular location is unstable, dangerous, or risky. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms the phrase's usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precarious site" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a location that is unstable, dangerous, or risky. As Ludwig.ai confirms, it is suitable for written English and is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not a highly frequent phrase, its meaning is clear and its usage is consistent. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a physical location's inherent risks and consider alternatives like "a risky location" or "an unstable area" for nuanced descriptions. Avoid using it metaphorically; it's best reserved for tangible places with evident hazards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a risky location

Emphasizes the potential for danger or negative outcomes at the location.

an unstable area

Highlights the lack of stability and potential for collapse or failure in the area.

a hazardous spot

Focuses on the presence of hazards and potential for accidents or harm.

a vulnerable position

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or attack at the location.

an insecure setting

Emphasizes the lack of safety and security at the location.

a dangerous locale

Stresses the danger and potential for harm associated with the specific locale.

a sensitive zone

Focuses on the potential for disturbance or damage due to its sensitive nature.

a difficult situation

Shifts the focus to the challenging circumstances and potential problems at the location.

a critical juncture

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the location or situation.

an exposed location

Emphasizes the lack of protection and vulnerability of the location.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precarious site" to describe a location that is unstable, dangerous, or risky. For instance, "The construction workers had to reinforce the foundation due to the "a precarious site" on the cliff edge."

What are some alternatives to "a precarious site"?

Alternatives include "a risky location", "an unstable area", or "a hazardous spot", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a precarious site" to describe a non-physical situation?

While "precarious" can be used metaphorically, "a precarious site" is typically used to describe a physical location. For non-physical situations, consider using "a precarious situation" or "a delicate position" instead.

What makes a site "a precarious site"?

A site is considered "a precarious site" if it is unstable, dangerous, or risky due to its physical characteristics or environmental conditions. Examples include steep slopes prone to landslides, areas with structural weaknesses, or locations exposed to hazardous materials.