a predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a predicament' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an unpleasant or difficult situation that is difficult to escape from. Example sentence: I found myself in a predicament when I realized I had forgotten my wallet at home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This brought on a predicament.

The New Yorker

This presents a predicament.

The New York Times

"It is a predicament".

The New York Times

"I'm in a predicament!" she said.

The New Yorker

The speaker faces quite a predicament.

The New York Times

That's both a predicament and a promise.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm in a bit of a predicament.

The New York Times - Books

Suddenly, Sampras was in a predicament.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a predicament for him".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It was a bit of a funny predicament.

BBC

Today, Datong faces a similar predicament.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a predicament", ensure the context clearly indicates the difficulty or unpleasantness of the situation. Provide enough detail for the reader to understand the nature and scope of the challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "a predicament" when the situation is only mildly inconvenient. Reserve it for genuinely difficult or troubling circumstances to maintain appropriate tone and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a predicament" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies and labels a specific state of difficulty or trouble. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a predicament" correctly describes a difficult or unpleasant situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical standing and suggests that the term is frequently used across a variety of contexts, most prominently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific discourse. When using "a predicament", ensure the situation warrants the description; consider alternatives like "a difficult situation" or "a tough spot" depending on the tone and severity. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, understanding its communicative purpose is key to effective usage. The abundance of examples available through Ludwig illustrates the phrase's versatility and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult situation

This alternative directly describes the state of being in trouble, emphasizing the difficulty involved.

a tough spot

This phrase is more informal, suggesting a challenging and uncomfortable position.

a sticky situation

This implies a situation that is awkward and potentially problematic to resolve.

a challenging circumstance

This alternative highlights the element of challenge and the need for effort to overcome the situation.

a troublesome issue

This emphasizes the problematic nature of the situation, focusing on the difficulties it presents.

a quandary

This term suggests a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.

a dilemma

A dilemma involves a situation where one must choose between two equally undesirable options.

a crisis

This refers to a situation of great instability and danger, implying a higher level of severity than a predicament.

an impasse

This suggests a situation where progress is impossible due to disagreement or blockage.

a standstill

This indicates a halt in progress or activity, often due to complications or unresolved issues.

FAQs

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

You can use "a predicament" to describe a difficult or unpleasant situation. For example, "I found myself in a predicament when I lost my keys".

What's the difference between "a predicament" and "a dilemma"?

While both refer to difficult situations, "a predicament" generally describes any challenging circumstance, whereas "a dilemma" specifically involves a choice between two undesirable options.

What are some alternatives to saying "a predicament"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a difficult situation", "a tough spot", or "a sticky situation".

Is it always appropriate to use "a predicament" in formal writing?

While "a predicament" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, consider the tone of your writing. In highly formal situations, you might prefer more sophisticated synonyms like "a quandary" or "a dilemma".