in this predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

"in this predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a challenging situation that someone is facing and is trying to figure out a way to get out of. Example sentence: "The company was in this predicament where it had to make cost cuts or risk going bankrupt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Why was I in this predicament?

The New York Times

"I tell them anybody could be in this predicament.

The New York Times

"I am not alone in this predicament," he said recently.

The Economist

Few ever thought the Jets would be in this predicament.

The New York Times - Sports

How did baseball get itself in this predicament?

The New York Times - Sports

I never expected that we would be in this predicament.

The New York Times

I don't even know why I'm in this predicament".

The New York Times

The Bruins have been in this predicament before.

The Guardian - Sport

"Here we are in this predicament because of technology, the very thing that is supposed to keep us from being in this predicament".

The New York Times - Tech

Several factors have conspired to place used-car buyers in this predicament.

The New York Times

One year ago, not many would have guessed either player would be in this predicament.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in this predicament" when you want to emphasize the challenging and often unexpected nature of a situation. It adds a touch of formality and seriousness to your writing.

Common error

While "in this predicament" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "in this situation" or "in this mess" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in this predicament" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify a verb or noun, indicating the state or condition someone or something is experiencing. It introduces the specific challenging circumstances, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in this predicament" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a challenging situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to be mindful of the register and avoid overusing it in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The phrase conveys a sense of difficulty and complexity, setting the stage for understanding the gravity of the circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in this situation

This alternative is more general and less dramatic, suitable for describing any set of circumstances.

in these circumstances

This emphasizes the specific conditions leading to the current state, highlighting causality.

in this plight

This alternative suggests a more dire or distressing situation, emphasizing the severity of the problem.

in this dilemma

This highlights the aspect of difficult choice or conflicting options within the problem.

in this quandary

This emphasizes the state of confusion or uncertainty caused by the situation.

in this mess

This is more informal and suggests a disorganized or chaotic situation.

in this jam

This is an informal alternative, implying a difficult situation that is hard to escape.

in this fix

This implies a problem that requires immediate resolution or repair.

in this bind

This highlights the feeling of being restricted or trapped by the situation.

in this state of affairs

This is a more formal alternative, focusing on the overall conditions or circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "in this predicament" to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation someone is facing. For example, "The company found itself "in this predicament" due to the sudden economic downturn".

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

Some alternatives include "in this situation", "in these circumstances", or "in this dilemma", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in this predicament" formal or informal?

"In this predicament" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, alternatives like "in this mess" or "in this jam" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "in this predicament" and "in this situation"?

While both phrases refer to a set of circumstances, ""in this predicament"" implies a more difficult or unfortunate set of circumstances, often unexpected, while "in this situation" is more neutral.