big predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or serious problem or difficult situation someone is facing. Example: "After losing his job unexpectedly, he found himself in a big predicament, unsure of how to pay his bills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In between there was a very big predicament.

The New York Times

It's a big predicament for the big banks".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Unfortunately, when we pull back, we see it's a much bigger predicament than it would first appear.

TechCrunch

The biggest predicament facing the European Union (EU) is visibility.

Huffington Post

DENVER, Oct. 26 — One of the Colorado Rockies' bigger predicaments over the last six weeks was tracking down a thesaurus.

The New York Times - Sports

That just goes to show how big the Swabians' predicament is.

The Guardian - Sport

Gordon Brown said last week he is "comfortable" with the White House's approach, but the contrast with the UK's more modest plans will be underlined on Tuesday, when the Bank of England governor Mervyn King appears before the cross-party Treasury select committee, which is carrying out an investigation of the "too big to fail" predicament.

The Guardian - Business

Josh Marshall offers a compelling analysis of the public reaction to the Big Three's predicament over at Talking Points Memo, noting that the widespread reluctance to reward bad behavior at the automakers could be tied to the fact that most people actually grasp how car companies work, whereas the average American has no idea what role Citigroup really plays in the economy.

Huffington Post

Then there is the predicament of the big media companies.

Huffington Post

Accenture took a big step in acknowledging that predicament on Wednesday, announcing that new parents at the firm could work locally with no travel for up to a year after the arrival of a child.

Huffington Post

Its "new politics", consisting of a partly appointed parliament, sweeping powers for military intervention and, of course, a strong crown, is "Premocracy" redux.The army is a big part of the country's predicament.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "big predicament" to underscore the magnitude of a problem. It's most effective when the situation is not only difficult but also has significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "big predicament" in everyday situations. Its strength lies in describing serious or critical issues; overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big predicament" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, usually describing a serious problem.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big predicament" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a significant and complex problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for written English and is often found in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the severity of a challenging situation. For alternatives, consider "serious dilemma" or "major problem", tailoring the choice to the specific context and desired level of formality. Remember to use "big predicament" when you want to emphasize the magnitude and potential consequences of a difficult situation, avoiding overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious dilemma

Replaces "predicament" with a more formal term for a difficult choice between alternatives.

major problem

Simplifies the phrase to a more straightforward and easily understood term.

difficult situation

Offers a broader description, focusing on the challenging nature of the circumstances.

grave crisis

Emphasizes the severity and potential danger of the situation.

tough spot

An informal way to describe being in a challenging position.

sticky situation

Indicates a complex and awkward problem.

challenging circumstance

Highlights the difficulty and demanding nature of the situation.

awkward position

Focuses on the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the predicament.

tight corner

Suggests a situation where escape or resolution is difficult.

serious trouble

Emphasizes the negative consequences and potential danger of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "big predicament" in a sentence?

You can use "big predicament" to describe a significant and challenging situation. For example: "The company's financial losses put them in a "big predicament"." It is typically used in more formal or serious contexts.

What are some alternatives to "big predicament"?

Alternatives include "serious dilemma", "major problem", or "difficult situation". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "big predicament" a formal or informal expression?

"Big predicament" leans towards a more formal register. While "big" is a common word, "predicament" itself is somewhat elevated. It's suitable for news articles, business reports, and academic papers, but might sound out of place in casual conversation.

What makes "big predicament" different from "problem"?

While "problem" is a general term, "big predicament" implies a more complex and challenging issue. A "big predicament" often involves multiple factors and lacks an easy solution, suggesting a more serious state than a simple "problem".