as precarious as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as precarious as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the instability or uncertainty of one situation to another. Example: "The company's financial situation is as precarious as a tightrope walker balancing without a safety net."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Implementation will be as precarious as ever.

The Economist

Her professional progress is as precarious as her social life.

The New York Times

Her position is not as precarious as it seems.

The Guardian - Opinion

But none has a future as precarious as snooker.

The Guardian - Sport

Has anything changed or is life as precarious as ever?

The Guardian

But nothing as precarious as a politician's consistency.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Wilderness is vital to the environment but also precarious, as endangered as it is dangerous.

The Guardian - Music

The personnel is just as precarious in the trenches as it is at the second level.

The New York Times

It is as precarious a time as nearly any since the start of the Arab Spring for the efforts to show that Islamic parties can create stable and competent governments.

The New York Times

But as precarious and uncertain as long-range forecasts are, most experts agree that the combined challenges of Social Security and Medicare are too big to be addressed without politically painful remedies.

The New York Times

Sanitary arrangements were described as "precarious".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as precarious as", ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to the context. The second 'as' should be followed by something that is commonly understood to be unstable or uncertain.

Common error

Avoid using "as precarious as" in contexts where the comparison doesn't make sense or is too abstract. The comparison should be easily understood and relatable to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as precarious as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by describing its state of instability or risk. It uses a simile structure to draw a parallel with something else known for its precariousness. According to Ludwig AI, this is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as precarious as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for drawing comparisons to highlight instability or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most often in News & Media, Encyclopedia entries, and Scientific publications, maintaining a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to enhance the impact of your writing. Remember to avoid comparisons that are too abstract or nonsensical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as unstable as

Focuses on the lack of stability, highlighting the potential for collapse or failure.

as risky as

Emphasizes the presence of danger and the possibility of negative consequences.

as uncertain as

Highlights the unpredictable nature and lack of clarity surrounding the situation.

as shaky as

Suggests a lack of firmness or reliability, implying that something might easily crumble.

as perilous as

Emphasizes the high level of danger and the potential for harm or loss.

as dangerous as

Directly indicates a threat or hazard, implying a high risk of negative outcomes.

as fragile as

Highlights the delicate nature and the ease with which something can be broken or damaged.

as delicate as

Suggests a need for careful handling and a susceptibility to damage or disruption.

as vulnerable as

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack, highlighting a lack of protection.

as tenuous as

Indicates a weak or uncertain connection or hold, implying a risk of separation or failure.

FAQs

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

Use "as precarious as" to compare the instability or uncertainty of one thing to another. For example, "The company's financial situation is "as precarious as" a house of cards".

What are some alternatives to saying "as precarious as"?

You can use alternatives such as "as unstable as", "as risky as", or "as uncertain as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "as precarious as" or "equally precarious"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""as precarious as"" is typically used for comparisons, while "equally precarious" describes two or more things that share the same level of instability.

What does "as precarious as" mean?

The phrase ""as precarious as"" means something is in a dangerous, unstable, or uncertain state, comparable to something else known to be similarly at risk. It highlights the vulnerability of the subject.