a tenuous situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tenuous situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable, uncertain, or fragile. Example: "The negotiations reached a point where they were in a tenuous situation, with both sides unwilling to compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Suddenly Rivera, who had made Bonds look feeble, was in a tenuous situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Karsay was still in a tenuous situation, but he got Cirillo to fly out and struck out Sierra.

The New York Times - Sports

Companies that eschew these principles can find themselves in a tenuous situation in fast-moving and unpredictable working environments and risk reputational damage.

The Guardian

"It's always a tenuous situation," Ms. Robida said, "because we rely solely on the Red Cross to supply blood and they rely solely on volunteers".

The New York Times

The surprise Russian proposal to defuse the American confrontation with Syria made a tenuous situation even more volatile for a president struggling to convince a deeply skeptical public of the need for the United States to respond militarily in yet another Middle Eastern country, this time in retaliation for the use of chemical weapons.

The New York Times

By saying criticism comes from all-sides with Facebook in the middle instead of directly rebuking the President's statement, Zuckerberg puts Facebook in a tenuous situation.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's a disaster like Sandy that can bring to the forefront our need as parents, specifically divorced parents, to define what co-parenting protocols should be in place for the next time any tenuous situation occurs.

Huffington Post

"It's a pretty tenuous situation," said Senator Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa and a chief author of the tax incentives in the energy bill.

The New York Times

"But it creates a very tenuous situation for everybody".

The New York Times

For the people who don't have the means, of course, they are there, and negotiating a very tenuous situation as best they can.

The New Yorker

"We think it's a very tenuous situation that can change, but we're ready to support people that make that decision".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "a tenuous situation", ensure you provide context on why it is unstable or fragile. Specific details add credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a tenuous situation" without elaborating on the specific risks or uncertainties involved. Provide concrete examples or reasons to support your claim, rather than relying solely on the adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tenuous situation" functions as a noun phrase, with "tenuous" modifying the noun "situation". It describes the state of something, indicating its instability or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tenuous situation" is a widely used phrase that effectively communicates instability or uncertainty. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. Its prevalence in news, science, and business contexts underscores its versatility across various registers. When employing this phrase, remember to provide specific details to substantiate the claim of instability and enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "a delicate situation" or "a precarious situation" can be considered to fine-tune the conveyed meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential fragility.

a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential for sudden collapse or danger.

a fragile state

Focuses on the vulnerability and ease with which the situation could worsen.

an unstable condition

Implies a lack of equilibrium and a tendency to change unpredictably.

a risky circumstance

Underscores the presence of potential negative consequences or danger.

a vulnerable position

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

a touch-and-go situation

Indicates uncertainty about the outcome and the need for constant monitoring.

a critical juncture

Points to a decisive moment where the future direction is uncertain.

an uncertain state of affairs

Broadly describes a situation lacking clarity or predictability.

a borderline case

Suggests a situation that barely meets the requirements or standards, and could easily fall into a negative category.

FAQs

How can I use "a tenuous situation" in a sentence?

You can use "a tenuous situation" to describe an unstable, fragile, or uncertain state. For example, "The peace treaty created "a tenuous situation" in the region, as both sides remained heavily armed".

What are some alternatives to saying "a tenuous situation"?

Alternatives include "a delicate situation", "a precarious situation", or "a fragile state". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "tenuous", "fragile", or "unstable" to describe a situation?

"Tenuous" implies a lack of strength or substance, "fragile" suggests easily broken or damaged, and "unstable" indicates a lack of equilibrium. Choose the word that best reflects the specific characteristics of the situation you are describing.

What makes a situation "tenuous"?

A situation can be described as "tenuous" when it's dependent on uncertain conditions, lacks a firm foundation, or is susceptible to change or collapse. This often involves multiple interacting factors and a degree of risk.