are unsafe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are unsafe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that poses a risk or danger to individuals or groups. Example: "The playground equipment is old and rusty, which means it are unsafe for children to play on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are there neighborhoods that are unsafe to walk through?

WikiHow

Things that are unsafe.

The New York Times - Arts

Overland roads are unsafe.

The Economist

Even the camps are unsafe.

The Guardian

Councils complain that they are unsafe.

The Economist

Because vehicles are unsafe at first.

The Guardian

Left turns are unsafe for everyone.

The Washington Post

In short, the proposals are unsafe and unworkable.

The Guardian - Opinion

The gas lines they hook up are unsafe.

The New York Times

Tasers are unsafe, misused and a vehicle for racial profiling.

The New York Times

Realistically, on the weekends we still are unsafe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are unsafe", clearly specify what the danger or risk is. For example, instead of saying "These conditions are unsafe", specify "These working conditions are unsafe due to lack of proper ventilation and safety equipment."

Common error

Avoid using "are unsafe" without providing context or specific details about the nature of the danger. Overgeneralizations can be misleading and fail to provide actionable information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are unsafe" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of the subject as being dangerous or posing a risk. It links the subject to the quality of unsafety. Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are unsafe" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe situations or objects that pose a risk or danger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its primary function is to warn or inform about potential hazards, making it essential to provide specific details regarding the nature of the risk when using the phrase. While primarily neutral in register, its tone can be adjusted depending on the context. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, followed by Wiki and scientific contexts. Remember to avoid overgeneralizations and clearly specify the potential harm when using "are unsafe" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are hazardous

A more formal synonym, emphasizing potential dangers or risks.

are dangerous

A direct synonym, indicating a high probability of causing harm.

pose a threat

Shifts the focus to the action of posing a risk rather than describing a state.

present a hazard

Similar to "are hazardous" but emphasizes the act of presenting a danger.

are risky

Implies a probability of negative consequences or failure.

are not secure

Focuses on the lack of security, which can imply potential dangers.

are compromised

Indicates that something has been weakened or made vulnerable, leading to potential dangers.

are unstable

Suggests a lack of stability, which can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations.

cause concern

Less direct, highlighting the worry or anxiety associated with a potential danger.

should be avoided

Focuses on the action of avoiding a potentially dangerous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "are unsafe" in a sentence?

You can use "are unsafe" to describe something that presents a risk or danger. For instance, "The old bridge and the surrounding areas "are unsafe" for vehicles".

What are some alternatives to "are unsafe"?

Alternatives include "are hazardous", "are dangerous", or "pose a threat" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "are unsafe" or "is unsafe"?

Use "are unsafe" when referring to multiple things or a plural noun. Use "is unsafe" when referring to a single thing or a singular noun. For example, "The stairs are unsafe" versus "The step is unsafe".

How can I emphasize the severity of something that "are unsafe"?

You can add adverbs like "extremely", "highly", or "particularly" to emphasize the severity. For example, "These chemicals are extremely unsafe to handle without proper protection".