in a precarious situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a precarious situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of uncertainty or instability, often implying potential danger or risk. Example: "After losing his job, he found himself in a precarious situation, unsure of how he would pay his bills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Hospitals are in a precarious situation.

The Guardian - Books

"We never tried to embarrass people or put them in a precarious situation," Mr. Banner said.

The New York Times

He's in a precarious situation; he enjoys, we imagine, no more than a limited welcome.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, Greece finds itself in a precarious situation at the start of 2013.

The Guardian - Opinion

These trends have left many native species in a precarious situation and forest plantation companies under considerable financial pressure.

Global and Planetary Change

"We are in a precarious situation with the interest rates declining, and everybody being fearful of going backwards and decelerating".

The New York Times

"The current process is based purely on politics, and as a result, Congressman Weiner finds himself in a precarious situation".

The New York Times

Egypt is in a precarious situation: half a dozen people died in protests on the streets today.

The New Yorker

"We are in a precarious situation," said Singapore's finance minister, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, chairman of the fund's steering committee.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Details were sketchy, but McFadden had put himself in a precarious situation about a month before his team's 2006 opener.

The New York Times - Sports

Chromosomal ends are in a precarious situation since there is no converging fork that can rescue fork stalling from the most distal fork found near the chromosome end.

DNA Repair

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "in a precarious situation", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific risks or uncertainties are involved. Providing concrete details strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in a precarious situation" as a vague descriptor. Always follow up with clarifying information that specifies why the situation is precarious. For instance, instead of saying "The company is in a precarious situation", specify "The company is in a precarious situation due to declining sales and increasing debt".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a precarious situation" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its condition. It indicates that the subject is facing instability, uncertainty, and potential danger. As Ludwig confirms, this is correct usage. Examples available in Ludwig shows this pattern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a precarious situation" effectively describes a state of instability, risk, or uncertainty. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that the phrase is most common in "News & Media", followed by "Science", and is generally used in a neutral register to express concern or provide a warning about a vulnerable state. When using this phrase, it is important to provide specific details about the risks and uncertainties involved, avoiding vagueness and ensuring that the gravity of the situation is clear. Considering alternatives such as "in a vulnerable position" or "on thin ice" can also enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a vulnerable position

Focuses on the aspect of being easily harmed or attacked.

in a risky state

Highlights the potential for negative outcomes or danger.

in a dangerous predicament

Emphasizes the challenging and potentially harmful nature of the situation.

in a threatened condition

Stresses the presence of an imminent threat or danger.

in a shaky position

Suggests instability and a lack of solid ground.

on thin ice

Idiomatic expression indicating a risky or unstable situation where one wrong move could lead to trouble.

between a rock and a hard place

Idiomatic expression describing a dilemma where both options are unfavorable.

up against it

Suggests facing significant difficulties or obstacles.

walking a tightrope

Suggests a need for careful balance and precision to avoid failure.

on the horns of a dilemma

Emphasizes facing a difficult choice between two equally undesirable options.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a precarious situation" to describe someone or something facing uncertainty, risk, or danger. For example, "After the storm, many families found themselves "in a precarious situation", lacking food and shelter".

What are some alternatives to saying "in a precarious situation"?

Some alternatives include "in a vulnerable position", "in a risky state", or "on thin ice", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in a precarious situation" or "in a difficult situation"?

While both phrases describe challenging circumstances, "in a precarious situation" implies a higher degree of risk and instability than "in a difficult situation". Choose the phrase that best reflects the severity of the circumstances.

What makes a situation "precarious"?

A situation is "precarious" when it is unstable, uncertain, and potentially dangerous. It suggests that things could easily worsen or collapse, leading to negative consequences.