appear perilous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appear perilous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation, action, or condition that seems dangerous or risky. Example: "The steep cliffs and rough waters made the journey appear perilous to the sailors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now the rite appears perilous for baptisers too.

The Economist

The 2C limit, which was already a stern challenge, now appears perilous.

The Guardian

Austin is optimistic that their friendship will continue in the Premier League with QPR next season, even if the odds are stacked against Chris Ramsey's side and their position appears perilous.

The Guardian - Sport

As off-balance-sheet financing techniques have grown in popularity -- and imagination -- several areas appear especially perilous, according to corporate bond experts.

The New York Times

His assistant, Steve Thompson, was suspended by the club without explanation, and Redfearn's position now appears more perilous than ever.

The Guardian - Sport

Legislative fixes for gun violence are elusive because they are, or appear to be, politically perilous.

The Washington Post

In the United States, Floyd Abrams, a First Amendment lawyer with Cahill Gordon & Reindel, said compelling Mr. Randal to appear could set a perilous precedent.

The New York Times

A close look at the museum's public financial records and internal documents provided by people who contend that the museum has been mismanaged for years shows that its finances and even its collection appear to be in perilous condition.

The New York Times

But the deaths appear to mark a perilous turning point in the battle between Islamists and the new military-backed government over the nation's political future.

Los Angeles Times

Clinton had gained momentum by winning in Pennsylvania two weeks ago, and Obama's position appeared even more perilous when his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., went on a public relations tour and repeated many of his most controversial statements.

The Washington Post

The assessment that the conflict could be long and perilous appeared to be reflected in a call by France on Tuesday for Arab support to bolster an African force to fight the insurgents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appear perilous" when you want to convey that a situation or action seems dangerous based on initial observation, but the actual level of danger might not be fully known. It suggests a potential for harm that warrants caution.

Common error

Avoid using "appear perilous" when the danger is already evident and well-established. Instead, use stronger language or more direct descriptions to emphasize the immediate and certain risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appear perilous" functions as a descriptive expression, modifying a subject by attributing to it an impression of danger or risk. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, indicating its acceptability in conveying a sense of potential harm.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appear perilous" is used to describe situations that seem dangerous based on an initial assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is rare, it is found in various contexts, particularly in news and formal writing. Alternatives such as "seem hazardous" or "look dangerous" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning intended. The key is to ensure the level of danger aligns with the context and that stronger language is used if the risk is certain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seem hazardous

Focuses on the presence of potential hazards, changing the verb and adjective.

look dangerous

Uses a more common adjective and verb to convey a similar meaning.

appear risky

Replaces "perilous" with "risky", a more commonly used synonym.

seem fraught with danger

Emphasizes the presence of danger throughout, using a more descriptive phrase.

look to be treacherous

Highlights the deceptive nature of the danger, implying hidden risks.

appear fraught with risk

Synonymous substitution of 'perilous' with 'fraught with risk'.

look to be precarious

Implies instability and a high chance of failure or harm.

seem to be fraught with danger

Adds 'to be' to change the phrasing.

look particularly threatening

Emphasizes the menacing aspect of the situation.

seem to present grave danger

Uses more formal language to describe the severity of the danger.

FAQs

How can I use "appear perilous" in a sentence?

You can use "appear perilous" to describe situations that seem dangerous based on initial assessment. For instance, "The journey "across the mountains" appeared perilous due to the heavy snow and lack of clear paths."

What are some alternatives to "appear perilous"?

Alternatives include "seem hazardous", "look dangerous", or "appear risky". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "appear perilous" or "is perilous"?

"Appear perilous" suggests a perceived danger, while "is perilous" indicates a confirmed danger. Use "appear perilous" when describing something that seems dangerous based on initial observation; use "is perilous" when the danger is known and certain.

What's the difference between "appear perilous" and "seem dangerous"?

While similar, "appear perilous" often implies a slightly greater sense of potential harm or dire consequences than "seem dangerous". Both suggest uncertainty, but "perilous" carries a heavier weight of possible severity.