in a precarious position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a precarious position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable, risky, or uncertain, often referring to physical, financial, or emotional states. Example: "After the sudden market crash, many investors found themselves in a precarious position, unsure of how to recover their losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The N.F.L. is in a precarious position.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm in a precarious position.

The New York Times

The government is in a precarious position.

The Washington Post

That leaves Calipari in a precarious position.

The New York Times - Magazine

The NLD is in a precarious position.

The Guardian

It puts us in a precarious position.

The Guardian

Argentina are in a precarious position.

The Guardian - Sport

That leaves Clemens in a precarious position.

The New York Times - Sports

Stephen was also in a precarious position.

The New York Times

We are in a precarious position.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, the victory left the Brotherhood in a precarious position.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a precarious position", ensure the context clearly indicates what is at risk. Specify the potential negative consequences to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "in a precarious position" when the situation is merely inconvenient or mildly challenging. Reserve it for scenarios involving genuine risk or significant potential harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a precarious position" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state or condition of being unstable, uncertain, or risky. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a precarious position" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe situations characterized by risk, instability, or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian and The New Yorker underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies the potential risks and negative consequences to maximize its impact. While interchangeable with phrases like "in a vulnerable state" or "in a risky situation", "in a precarious position" often carries a nuanced implication of instability requiring cautious action. Avoid using it in contexts where the situation is only mildly challenging to maintain its intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a vulnerable state

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

in a risky situation

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes or danger.

on shaky ground

Emphasizes instability and lack of security.

in a vulnerable position

Highlights the susceptibility to physical or emotional harm.

in a tenuous situation

Suggests a weak or fragile hold on stability.

in a difficult spot

Implies a challenging and potentially problematic circumstance.

in a dangerous situation

Highlights the presence of immediate threat or hazard.

on thin ice

Indicates a situation where a mistake could lead to severe consequences.

between a rock and a hard place

Highlights the dilemma of choosing between two unpleasant options.

in a bind

Suggests a restricting or difficult situation with limited options.

FAQs

How can I use "in a precarious position" in a sentence?

Use "in a precarious position" to describe someone or something facing instability, risk, or uncertainty. For example, "The company's financial situation is "in a precarious position" after the recent market downturn".

What are some alternatives to "in a precarious position"?

You can use alternatives such as "in a vulnerable state", "in a risky situation", or "on shaky ground" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in a precarious position" or "in a dangerous position"?

While both phrases describe a state of risk, ""in a precarious position"" often implies a more uncertain or unstable state, whereas "in a dangerous position" suggests a more immediate and direct threat.

What does "in a precarious position" imply?

"In a precarious position" implies that someone or something is facing potential danger, instability, or uncertainty that could lead to negative consequences. It suggests a situation where caution and careful action are needed.