a precarious step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precarious step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that is risky or uncertain, often implying potential danger or instability. Example: "Taking a precarious step into the unknown, she decided to leave her stable job and pursue her passion for art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Drasdo's best known contribution from this era was North Crag Eliminate on Castle Rock in Thirlmere, climbed in September 1952 and involving a precarious step up off the upper boughs of a tree to regain the rock face high above the ground.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Though it is argued that selecting a suitable kernel is the most precarious step (e.g., [ 14]), current evidence suggests that most considered kernels attain a predictive accuracy similar to that of the Gaussian kernels [ 17].

BioMed Research International

Yet I was riveted step by precarious step through Strayed's encounters with bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lion scat, ice, record snow and predatory men.

The New York Times - Books

Wondering all the while, at every precarious step, why we have built this awful suburban world for ourselves.

Huffington Post

It's not easy to reach: take the steep and rutted path off a dirt parking lot along the Pacific Coast Highway that leads to 80 precarious steps finally spilling out onto soft sand.

The New York Times

He steps into a precarious world of populism, corruption, and insulation can he present himself as a change agent that others will embrace?

Huffington Post

This then left Cake in a precarious situation financially as the company could not find another VC to step in quickly enough before running out of cash.

TechCrunch

Peter Kurer, who stepped down as chairman on Wednesday, added that UBS "continues to find itself in a precarious situation".

The New York Times

It is a precarious existence.

The Economist

Life is a precarious balance.

The New York Times

They have to maintain a precarious balance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a precarious step", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the step precarious, such as lack of resources, uncertain conditions, or potential threats.

Common error

Avoid using "a precarious step" when the situation involves only minor inconvenience or negligible risk. Using it in such contexts dilutes its impact and can be perceived as melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precarious step" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun (step) to indicate that it is fraught with risk or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through examples describing situations involving potential danger.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precarious step" is a phrase used to describe a risky or uncertain action, with potential for negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase, while grammatically correct, is relatively rare. It most often appears in news and media contexts, with some usage in scientific and formal writing. Consider using alternative phrases like "a risky move" or "a delicate maneuver" to add variety to your writing. Ensure you use the phrase appropriately, avoiding overstatement of the risks involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a risky move

Emphasizes the potential negative consequences of the action.

a delicate maneuver

Highlights the need for careful handling and precision.

a hazardous undertaking

Focuses on the inherent dangers involved.

a touch-and-go situation

Indicates uncertainty and the possibility of failure.

a critical juncture

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the current moment.

an uncertain advance

Focuses on the lack of clarity about the outcome.

a challenging transition

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential pitfalls of the change.

a chancy endeavor

Suggests a high degree of risk and uncertainty.

an unstable approach

Highlights the lack of stability and potential for collapse.

a vulnerable phase

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a precarious step" to describe a risky action or situation. For example: "Taking "a precarious step" into the unknown, she launched her own business."

What are some alternatives to "a precarious step"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a risky move", "a delicate maneuver", or "a hazardous undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a precarious step" formal or informal?

"A precarious step" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in very formal writing.

What makes a step "precarious"?

A step is "precarious" when it involves uncertainty, risk, or potential danger. This could be due to unstable conditions, lack of information, or possible negative consequences.