his predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "his predicament" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's difficult or challenging situation. Example: John found himself in a difficult predicament when he lost his wallet on the subway and couldn't afford a new one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His predicament is fiendishly simple.

Independent

Mr. Patel finds his predicament farcical.

The New York Times

We returned to Saleh and his predicament.

The New Yorker

He is not alone in his predicament.

Independent

One can certainly sympathize with his predicament.

The New York Times

But his predicament is worsening.

The Guardian

McCain's closest friends lament his predicament.

The Washington Post

He hopes to resolve his predicament soon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nobody is to blame for his predicament.

The Guardian

How does he reflect on his predicament?

The Guardian - Film

Still, he was discouraged about his predicament.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "his predicament" to succinctly describe a man's challenging, complex, or difficult situation. Ensure the context makes it clear to whom "his" refers to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "his predicament" for trivial or minor inconveniences. "Predicament" implies a significant challenge or difficult situation, not simply a slight problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his predicament" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a difficult, trying, or unfortunate situation that a male individual is experiencing. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "his predicament" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a difficult situation faced by a male individual. Ludwig's analysis and examples show its prevalence in news and media, with a neutral to slightly formal register. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the seriousness of the situation and clearly refers to the intended individual. Consider using alternatives like "the trouble he is in" or "his dilemma" for nuanced variations. Ludwig confirms the phrase's widespread usage and grammatical soundness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the trouble he's in

Focuses on the trouble rather than the situation's complexity.

the difficult situation he faces

Emphasizes the difficulty and the act of facing it.

his unfortunate circumstances

Highlights the negative and chance aspects of the situation.

the bind he's in

Implies a restrictive and difficult situation.

his dilemma

Highlights the difficult choice or problem he must solve.

the crisis he's confronting

Stresses the severity and immediacy of the problem.

his plight

Emphasizes the suffering and hardship he's enduring.

the situation he's up against

Focuses on the challenges and opposition he faces.

his quandary

Highlights the state of perplexity or doubt.

the state he's in

A more general way to refer to his current condition.

FAQs

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

Use "his predicament" to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation a male individual is facing. For example, "Facing financial ruin, "his predicament" was dire."

What are some alternatives to "his predicament"?

Alternatives include "the trouble he is in", "his dilemma", or "his unfortunate circumstances", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "his predicament" in formal writing?

Yes, "his predicament" is suitable for formal writing as it's grammatically correct and widely understood. However, ensure it fits the tone and context of your piece.

What's the difference between "his predicament" and "her predicament"?

"His predicament" refers specifically to a male's difficult situation, while "her predicament" refers to a female's. The choice depends entirely on the gender of the person you're describing.