in a predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult, embarrassing, or uncomfortable situation. For example: "I found myself in a predicament when I realized I had to choose between two equally attractive job offers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm in a predicament!" she said.

The New Yorker

Still, he was in a predicament.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, Sampras was in a predicament.

The New York Times - Sports

JIM GENSHEIMER is in a predicament.

The New York Times - Tech

Now I was in a predicament.

The New Yorker

You definitely see that I'm in a predicament.

The New York Times - Arts

The white invasion put the Negro cats in a predicament.

The New Yorker

"We really are in a predicament here, and it's getting worse every year".

The New York Times - Science

She loves him ungraspingly, and soothes him in a predicament that she seems entirely to understand.

The New Yorker

They found themselves in a predicament: How were they to choose Stalin's successor?

Encyclopedia Britannica

The President's ambivalence about America's ability to shape events puts Power in a predicament.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a predicament" to describe a situation that is difficult, but not necessarily catastrophic. It implies a need for careful handling and problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "in a predicament" when the situation is genuinely life-threatening or involves severe consequences. Opt for stronger terms like "in danger" or "in crisis" to accurately reflect the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a predicament" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the state or condition of that noun or pronoun. It indicates that someone or something is in a difficult, embarrassing, or uncomfortable situation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

7%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a predicament" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that describes a difficult or problematic situation. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for neutral registers and appears frequently in News & Media. When using "in a predicament", ensure the context aligns with the phrase's nuance: a challenging situation requiring careful handling, not necessarily a catastrophic one. For alternative phrasing, consider "in a quandary" or "in a dilemma".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between a rock and a hard place

Expresses being forced to choose between two equally unpleasant options.

in a quandary

Indicates a state of uncertainty or doubt about what to do, suggesting a dilemma that needs resolving.

in a dilemma

Highlights the need to choose between two or more undesirable options, implying a difficult decision.

in a bind

Similar to "in a predicament", but suggests a more restrictive or confining situation.

in a difficult situation

A more general way of describing being "in a predicament", without specifying the nature of the difficulty.

in trouble

Suggests a more serious or dangerous situation than simply being "in a predicament".

in a jam

Informal term for being in a difficult situation that requires immediate action.

facing a challenge

Emphasizes the obstacle or difficulty that needs to be overcome, with a slightly more positive connotation.

at a crossroads

Suggests a point where a significant decision needs to be made, impacting future direction.

up against it

An informal way of saying someone is facing significant difficulties or opposition.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a predicament" to describe a challenging or difficult situation someone is facing. For example, "She found herself "in a predicament" when she lost her passport before her flight".

What are some alternatives to saying "in a predicament"?

Alternatives include "in a quandary", "in a dilemma", or "in a difficult situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in a predicament" or "in predicament"?

"In a predicament" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "In predicament" is grammatically incorrect.

When is it appropriate to use "in a predicament"?

Use "in a predicament" when describing a situation that is challenging or problematic, but not necessarily catastrophic or life-threatening. It suggests a need for careful handling and problem-solving.