fragile situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fragile situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any situation that is delicate or prone to instability or collapse. Example Sentence: The constant flux in the political landscape has created a fragile situation that could easily be disrupted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a novel and fragile situation.

The New Yorker

It is a very fragile situation.

The New York Times

"I was in a very fragile situation.

The Guardian

But suddenly the fragile situation had a new twist.

The Washington Post

"We are not living in ordinary times; we are in a fragile situation," she said.

The New York Times

In this highly fragile situation, Angela Merkel's government is trying to run down the clock.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tsipras was expected to underline Greece's increasingly fragile situation in talks with the pope.

The Guardian

UK business want to capitalise on the fragile situation in the Middle East.

The Guardian

This may show his charitable disposition, but also highlighted Sanhá's awareness of his fragile situation.

The Guardian

She urged Osborne to use the spending review "to bring stability to a worryingly fragile situation".

The Guardian

Hurricane Sandy has really tipped the scale of an already fragile situation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "fragile situation", be specific about the factors contributing to its instability. Providing context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "fragile situation" as a vague descriptor. Always provide concrete examples or explanations of what makes the situation fragile to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile situation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'fragile' modifies the noun 'situation'. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. The examples show its role in describing unstable or precarious conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fragile situation" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression for describing unstable or precarious circumstances. According to Ludwig, its frequent appearance in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts highlights its versatility. While alternatives like "delicate circumstance" or "precarious condition" exist, it is important to use the phrase with specificity, avoiding overuse without context. Recognizing the potential instability, it serves as a warning sign that calls for caution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate circumstance

Emphasizes the need for careful handling due to potential instability.

precarious condition

Highlights the riskiness and uncertainty of the situation.

unstable environment

Focuses on the lack of stability and potential for sudden changes.

sensitive state

Suggests a situation requiring careful consideration and awareness of potential sensitivities.

vulnerable position

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

tenuous situation

Implies a weak or shaky foundation that could easily collapse.

volatile climate

Suggests a situation prone to sudden and dramatic changes or outbursts.

risky scenario

Focuses on the inherent risks and potential dangers involved.

challenging circumstances

Underlines the difficulties and obstacles present in the situation.

critical juncture

Highlights a turning point where decisions will have significant consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "fragile situation" in a sentence?

You can use "fragile situation" to describe circumstances that are unstable or easily disrupted. For example, "The peace talks are at a "fragile situation" after the recent attacks".

What can I say instead of "fragile situation"?

You can use alternatives like "delicate circumstance", "precarious condition", or "unstable environment" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "fragile situation" in formal writing?

Yes, "fragile situation" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that your usage is clear and provides sufficient context to understand the nature of the fragility.

What contributes to a "fragile situation"?

Factors contributing to a "fragile situation" can include political instability, economic uncertainty, social unrest, or environmental factors.