as fraught as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as fraught as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is filled with emotional distress, anxiety, or tension, often followed by a noun that specifies what is being compared. Example: "The negotiations were as fraught as a high-stakes poker game, with both sides unwilling to back down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Our presidents have claimed broad and ever-expanding national security powers not in the teeth of congressional opposition, but with tacit congressional assent — because Congress would rather not have to take responsibility for anything as fraught as a declaration of war, let alone whatever the N.S.A. is getting up to.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

From here, we enter into an extraordinary spiritual joust between the widow and the combative priest (Belmondo), which feels as fraught as any gun-toting standoff in one of the director's later thrillers.

The New Yorker

No wonder the film felt strained – it had an agenda as fraught as the AGM of a failing company.

The Guardian - Film

Few matters in entertainment are as fraught as the Disney princesses, a dozen or so characters led by Cinderella and Snow White that mint money for the Walt Disney Company but also are cultural lightning rods.

The New York Times

Falling in love with a vintage motor home turned out to be as fraught as falling in love with a Victorian house, and nearly as expensive.

The New York Times

Of course, having written about sexual issues in the past, I know it's a topic as fraught as religion or politics, so zealots may raise a pitchfork or two to pillory my "prudishness," snark that I "ain't gettin' any," or hiss at my inability to understand that it's about "freedom" and "empowerment" (love that one).

Huffington Post

It is unclear how a Mossad agent who had revealed details to a foreign government about an assassination, particularly one as fraught as the Mabhouh affair, would be eligible for a plea bargain.

The New York Times

When an administration faces a decision as fraught as this, hardly has the outcome been settled than the post-mortems begin.

Independent

Addressing a topic as fraught as race would be challenging anywhere, but it is particularly tricky within the Smithsonian, a complex of 19 museums that last year got $761 million from Congress.

The New York Times

Begin the Conversation Of all the intimate conversations that take place among people close to one another — "Should we get married?" "Should we have a baby?" — few are as fraught as the one about how to dispose of a long-held family home.

The New York Times

As a result, something as fraught as race often ends up being covered in cartoonish ways during signal events like the death of Trayvon Martin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as fraught as a" to vividly compare a situation or topic with something known to be difficult, stressful, or filled with problems. This emphasizes the intensity and complexity of the subject at hand.

Common error

While "as fraught as a" is effective in formal and analytical writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, where simpler and more direct language might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as fraught as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by likening it to something else. It indicates that something is filled with or characterized by stress, tension, or anxiety, similar to the item it's being compared to, such as in the Ludwig examples comparing topics to religion or politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as fraught as a" is a comparative tool used to underscore the tense and complicated nature of a subject by likening it to something inherently difficult. Ludwig AI says that it is grammatically correct and acceptable in English, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in reliable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, lending a neutral to formal tone. When writing, it's best used to emphasize complexity, but should be avoided in casual settings where simpler language is preferable. Semantically related alternatives include "as tense as a" or "as difficult as a".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as tense as a

Replaces "fraught" with "tense", focusing on the feeling of nervous anticipation or strain.

as difficult as a

Substitutes "fraught" with "difficult", highlighting the challenging nature of the situation.

as complicated as a

Replaces "fraught" with "complicated", emphasizing the complex and intricate nature of the situation.

as problematic as a

Uses "problematic" instead of "fraught", focusing on the issues and potential troubles involved.

as precarious as a

Replaces "fraught" with "precarious", emphasizing the instability and riskiness of the situation.

as perilous as a

Substitutes "fraught" with "perilous", stressing the dangers and hazards involved.

as uncertain as a

Replaces "fraught" with "uncertain", emphasizing the lack of predictability and assurance.

as turbulent as a

Uses "turbulent" instead of "fraught", focusing on the chaotic and unsettled nature of the situation.

as delicate as a

Replaces "fraught" with "delicate", highlighting the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

as critical as a

Substitutes "fraught" with "critical", emphasizing the importance and potential consequences of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "as fraught as a" in a sentence?

You can use "as fraught as a" to compare a situation to something inherently stressful or complicated. For instance, "The negotiation was "as fraught as a" hostage situation", highlighting the tension.

What are some alternatives to "as fraught as a"?

Alternatives include "as tense as a", "as difficult as a", or "as complicated as a", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "as fraught as a" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "as fraught as a" in formal or analytical writing where you want to emphasize the stressful or problematic nature of a situation through comparison. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

Is "as fraught as a" considered formal language?

Yes, "as fraught as a" is generally considered more formal than simpler alternatives. It's suitable for academic papers, news articles, and professional reports, but might sound out of place in casual conversations.