in a plight

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a plight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a troublesome or difficult situation. For example: "The family was in a plight, running low on food and money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That is to say, the believers in the church picture themselves as in a plight from which they need rescue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are ordinary decent people in a plight most in the United States don't have a clue about.

The New York Times

(Even the two derelicts in "Waiting for Godot," so beloved of Stoppard, are in a plight that most people would consider desperate).

The New Yorker

Media industry watchers said the show offered proof that ABC and television networks in general is in a plight so desperate, it's bending over backwards to satisfy advertisers.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Relegated teams will often turn in a performance that has the audience wondering why they have found themselves in such a plight and so it was at Mendoza on Sunday.

The Guardian - Sport

Scout, Dill and the others were all outsiders in some sense, a plight at the core of "Mockingbird" and its lessons.

Los Angeles Times

The country is in a serious plight economically because of mismanagement in the financial service industry.

The Guardian

They were now united in a common plight, holding empty cardboard boxes and turning their backs to a bitter wind.

The New York Times

Bored, he started an Internet chat room for those in a similar plight, and it quickly became a regular haunt for hundreds of students awaiting security checks.

The New York Times

Councillors across Scotland are in a similar plight, and so are having to cut spending.The electoral consequences were all too obvious in the Glenrothes parliamentary by-election on November 6th.

The Economist

It prompted diplomatic notes from the American secretary of state to the northern Italian foreign minister, conveying the sympathy and support of a country that was dealing with its own southern insurgency to another young nation in a similar plight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a plight", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific hardship or difficult situation being described. Providing concrete details helps the reader understand the severity and nature of the plight.

Common error

Avoid using "in a plight" in situations that are only mildly inconvenient. The phrase implies a significant degree of hardship or distress; using it inappropriately can weaken its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a plight" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state or condition of someone or something, indicating they are experiencing significant difficulty or hardship. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a plight" is used to describe a troublesome or difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms it is a grammatically correct phrase. However, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news articles and encyclopedic entries. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly conveys significant hardship or distress to avoid weakening its impact. While alternatives like "in a predicament" or "in dire straits" may be suitable substitutes depending on the specific nuance needed. The phrase evokes a sense of empathy or concern, and should be used judiciously to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a predicament

This alternative suggests a difficult or perplexing situation, often implying a need for a clever solution. Similarity Score: 90

in a difficult situation

This alternative is a straightforward description of being in a challenging circumstance. Similarity Score: 88

in dire straits

This suggests a very difficult or dangerous situation, often involving financial hardship. Similarity Score: 85

facing adversity

This indicates a situation where one is confronting challenges or hardships. Similarity Score: 82

in trouble

This is a simple way to convey being in a problematic situation. Similarity Score: 80

in a crisis

This suggests a turning point situation with a high degree of instability. Similarity Score: 78

in a jam

Informal way of indicating a tight or awkward situation. Similarity Score: 75

up against it

This is an informal idiom for facing significant difficulties or obstacles. Similarity Score: 72

in a tight spot

Implies being in a difficult situation, often with limited options. Similarity Score: 70

in hot water

This idiom means being in trouble or disgrace, often due to one's actions. Similarity Score: 68

FAQs

How can I use "in a plight" in a sentence?

You can use "in a plight" to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation. For example: "The refugees were "in a plight" after losing their homes."

What are some alternatives to "in a plight"?

Some alternatives include "in a predicament", "in dire straits", or "facing adversity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be "in a plight"?

Yes, the phrase "in a plight" inherently suggests a negative situation involving trouble, hardship, or distress. It would be contradictory to use it in a positive context.

What's the difference between "in a plight" and "in a situation"?

"In a situation" is a neutral term simply indicating a set of circumstances. "In a plight" specifies that the situation is difficult, unfortunate, or troublesome. Therefore, "in a situation" is much broader in its applicability.