a risky situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a risky situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a scenario that involves potential danger or negative consequences. Example: "The hikers found themselves in a risky situation when a sudden storm rolled in, forcing them to seek shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Athletes find themselves in a risky situation.

The New York Times - Sports

"You could have predicted a risky situation," he added.

The Guardian

"That's typically what people do, and overdrink and get themselves into a risky situation".

The New York Times - Travel

"Now he is going to change direction, and it is quite a risky situation".

The New York Times

Then there's another that wants to control a risky situation and wants to do things very precisely.

The New York Times - Travel

"I like it, but it's a risky situation," Jenkins said of the let's-make-a-deal mentality.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

One Clinton foreign policy adviser, speaking on condition of anonymity in exchange for being candid about her mistake, said that Mrs. Clinton had been "too loose" with her words and that she risked looking as if "she was trying to pump up a somewhat risky situation into a very dangerous one".

The New York Times

"If there's a significant change in climate in one of our high production areas, if there is a disease that affects a major crop, we are in a very risky situation," said S. Mark Howden of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research organization in Canberra, Australia.

The New York Times

It doesn't mean: 'Have people completed the paperwork?' It means: 'Is this an inherently risky situation for a person to be in?' If you don't get that, you don't get it at all".

The Guardian

However, the current evolution of the market leads to a situation where some operating systems are gaining a large market share, which could lead to a more risky situation.

EPJ Data Science

It is a deeply risky situation for the two main parties that, with so short a time before polling day, this is set to be the year of their lowest popularity since the polling company Ipsos MORI began collecting records in 1978.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a risky situation" to preface a discussion about risk mitigation strategies.

Common error

Avoid using "a risky situation" as a generic descriptor. Instead, detail what makes the situation risky (e.g., "a risky financial situation due to market volatility").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a risky situation" functions as a noun phrase, where "risky" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "situation". It's used to describe a scenario characterized by potential danger or negative consequences, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a risky situation" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe scenarios involving potential danger or negative outcomes. According to Ludwig, the phrase functions as a noun phrase, typically employed to categorize a state of affairs and alert individuals to potential risks. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports and scientific articles to general discussions. The phrase is supported by a wealth of examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides useful suggestions for alternative phrasings and usage. When using the phrase, it is important to be specific about the nature of the risk and potential consequences to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hazardous circumstance

Highlights the presence of specific dangers or hazards that could cause harm.

a perilous predicament

Stresses the severity and potential for negative consequences within the situation.

a precarious state

Emphasizes the instability and potential for collapse or danger within the situation.

a vulnerable position

Focuses on the lack of protection and susceptibility to harm.

a delicate juncture

Suggests a critical point where careful handling is required to avoid negative outcomes.

a chancy affair

Implies uncertainty and the possibility of failure or loss.

a tight spot

Highlights the difficulty and limited options within the situation.

a dangerous game

Implies intentional risk-taking with potentially serious consequences.

a sticky wicket

Suggests a complex and challenging situation with potential for embarrassment or failure.

an exposed flank

Emphasizes the vulnerability to attack or criticism.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a risky situation" in my writing?

Consider using synonyms like "a hazardous situation", "a perilous situation", or "a precarious situation" to add nuance or formality to your description.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a risky situation"?

Yes, "a risky situation" is grammatically correct. The article 'a' correctly precedes the adjective 'risky', which modifies the noun 'situation'.

What are some common contexts where "a risky situation" is used?

"A risky situation" is commonly used in news reports, scientific articles, and general discussions to describe scenarios involving potential danger, uncertainty, or negative outcomes. Examples: financial investments, health conditions, or social interactions.

How does "a risky situation" differ from "a dangerous situation"?

While similar, "a risky situation" often implies a higher degree of uncertainty or potential for loss, whereas "a dangerous situation" suggests a more immediate and apparent threat of harm. Risk involves the possibility of something negative occurring, while danger suggests it is actively present.