can be fraught with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be fraught with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or experience that is filled with difficulties, dangers, or challenges. Example: "The journey through the mountains can be fraught with unexpected obstacles, making it essential to prepare adequately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

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

The New York Times - Tech

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

The New York Times

But such relocations can be fraught with tension.

The Washington Post

Even in a democracy like the United States, elections can be fraught with controversy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

DENVER — A road into the piney woods can be fraught with consequences.

The New York Times

Despite certain advantages to both sexes, polygynous families can be fraught with bickering and sexual jealousy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a move that can be fraught with confusion, missteps and sometimes pain.

The New York Times

But such meetings can be fraught with political and personal danger.

The New York Times

For the skittish branding industry, such moves can be fraught with peril.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be fraught with" to add emphasis when describing situations likely to encounter significant difficulties or challenges. This phrase is effective in both formal and informal writing to highlight potential problems.

Common error

Avoid using "can be fraught with" when simpler phrases like "can be difficult" or "can be challenging" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be fraught with" functions as a qualifier, adding a layer of potential difficulty, danger, or complexity to a noun or situation. As Ludwig indicates, it is used to emphasize the likelihood of encountering problems. Examples show its application across various domains, from political negotiations to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be fraught with" is a versatile expression used to highlight the potential difficulties and challenges associated with a given situation or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse writing contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives such as ""can be filled with"" or ""can involve"" exist, "can be fraught with" specifically emphasizes the presence of potential dangers and complications. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations where the risks are substantial, avoiding overuse in simple or trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be filled with

Emphasizes the presence of difficulties or challenges.

can be laden with

Suggests a heavy burden of problems.

can involve

Focuses on the inclusion of difficulties as part of the process.

can present

Highlights the challenges that might arise.

can pose

Indicates the potential for something to create difficulties.

can carry

Implies inherent risks or problems.

can entail

Focuses on the necessary involvement of negative aspects.

can bring

Suggests the arrival of problems or difficulties.

can have

A more general way to indicate the presence of difficulties.

can hold

Implies the potential for future problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be fraught with" to describe situations or actions that are likely to involve difficulties or dangers. For example, "Negotiating international treaties "can be fraught with" political complications".

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

Alternatives include "can be filled with", "can be laden with", or "can involve", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "can be fraught with difficulties" or just "can be fraught with"?

While "can be fraught with difficulties" is grammatically correct, it's often redundant. The word "fraught" already implies difficulties, so using just ""can be fraught with"" is usually sufficient and more concise.

What is the difference between "can be fraught with" and "can be challenging"?

"Can be challenging" simply indicates that something requires effort and skill, while ""can be fraught with"" suggests the presence of potential dangers, problems, or negative consequences, making it a stronger and more cautionary statement.