be fraught with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be fraught with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that is full of or accompanied by difficulties, dangers, or potential problems. For example, "The mission to lead our team to victory was fraught with danger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Such investments can be fraught with risk.

The New York Times - Tech

But developing in China can be fraught with obstacles.

The New York Times

Almost every asset class seems to be fraught with danger.

The Economist

But these odd-couple relationships can be fraught with peril.

The New York Times - Tech

But the path continued to be fraught with challenges.

The New York Times

Delivering the marijuana can also be fraught with anxiety.

The New York Times

This, however, can be fraught with difficulty, too.

The New York Times

But reopening the deal would be fraught with difficulties.

The New York Times

This portfolio turned out to be fraught with difficulties.

The Guardian - Sport

However, history suggests this will be fraught with difficulty.

The Guardian - Opinion

A merger with Sprint Nextel may sound good in theory, but would be fraught with difficulties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be fraught with", ensure the noun following "with" accurately reflects the potential problems or dangers associated with the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "be fraught with" for minor inconveniences. This phrase implies significant potential for negative outcomes, so reserve it for situations with genuine risk or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fraught with" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or situation as being filled with something undesirable, such as difficulties, dangers, or risks. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it attributes a state of potential adversity. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be fraught with" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations filled with potential difficulties, dangers, or risks. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to alert audiences to potential negative aspects, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, its intensity should be considered, reserving it for situations with genuine potential for adverse outcomes. For alternatives, consider "be filled with" or "be rife with", adjusting for nuance. When writing, remember that the noun following the preposition "with" is accurately reflect the potential problems, according to the Ludwig examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be rife with

This alternative suggests a widespread presence of something negative, often more intense than "be fraught with".

be beset by

This alternative indicates being persistently troubled or attacked by something.

be filled with

This alternative is more general and lacks the implication of potential danger or negative consequences.

be plagued by

This alternative suggests persistent trouble or suffering caused by something.

be laden with

This alternative implies a heavy burden or abundance of something, not necessarily negative but often challenging.

be attended by

This alternative implies that something is inevitably accompanied by certain consequences, often negative.

be susceptible to

This alternative focuses on vulnerability and the potential for negative outcomes.

carry the risk of

This alternative highlights the presence of potential danger or harm.

pose difficulties

This alternative directly states that something creates problems or obstacles.

present challenges

This alternative downplays the negativity and focuses on the difficulties encountered.

FAQs

How can I use "be fraught with" in a sentence?

Use "be fraught with" to describe situations filled with potential problems or dangers. For instance, "The journey was fraught with peril" or "The negotiation is fraught with difficulties".

What can I say instead of "be fraught with"?

You can use alternatives like "be filled with", "be rife with", or "be laden with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fraught with difficulties" or "full of difficulties"?

"Fraught with difficulties" implies a higher level of challenge and potential problems compared to "full of difficulties". "Fraught with" suggests inherent risks and complications.

What is the difference between "be fraught with" and "pose challenges"?

"Be fraught with" suggests potential dangers and difficulties, while "pose challenges" simply indicates difficulties that need to be overcome. The former is more severe in implication.