is at stake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is at stake" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is in danger of being lost or compromised. For example: "The fate of our planet is at stake if we do not act quickly to reduce our carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pride is at stake.

The Economist

"Everything is at stake".

The New York Times

Much is at stake.

The New York Times

More is at stake.

The New York Times

Its credibility is at stake.

The Economist

Far more is at stake.

The Economist

Too much is at stake.

The New Yorker

His future is at stake.

The New Yorker

Regional stability is at stake.

The New York Times

"Our vitality is at stake".

The New York Times - Sports

"Our economy is at stake.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is at stake" to clearly communicate what could be lost or damaged in a particular situation. For example, "The company's reputation is at stake if the product fails."

Common error

While "is at stake" is widely applicable, be mindful of using it excessively in casual conversations. Overuse can diminish its impact, especially when less dramatic phrasing would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at stake" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating that something is at risk or in a precarious situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is at stake" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that highlights potential risks or consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as well as science and formal business settings, the phrase serves to emphasize what could be lost or compromised in a given situation. Alternatives such as "is in jeopardy" and "is at risk" offer similar meanings but may vary slightly in formality or emphasis. While versatile, mindful use is advised to prevent overuse, especially in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in jeopardy

Highlights the risk of loss or damage to something.

is at risk

Emphasizes the potential danger or harm.

is on the line

Suggests a critical situation where failure is possible.

is in danger

Focuses on the imminent threat to something.

is under threat

Indicates that something is being threatened or endangered.

is imperiled

A more formal way to express that something is in danger.

is in the balance

Indicates that the outcome is uncertain and depends on certain factors.

hangs in the balance

Similar to "is in the balance", suggesting an uncertain outcome.

is on the verge of collapse

Emphasizes the nearness to a failure or breakdown.

is hanging by a thread

Implies that the situation is very precarious and could easily fail.

FAQs

How can I use "is at stake" in a sentence?

Use "is at stake" to emphasize what might be lost or compromised. For example, "The future of the project is at stake depending on the next round of funding."

What's a more formal alternative to "is at stake"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "is imperiled" or "is in jeopardy", which can add a level of seriousness to your writing.

How does "is at stake" differ from "is at risk"?

While both indicate potential danger, "is at stake" often implies a more significant consequence or something of greater value is on the line, compared to simply being "is at risk".

Can "is at stake" be used in positive contexts?

While primarily used to highlight potential losses, it can indirectly imply positive outcomes contingent on success. For example, "A significant advancement in technology is at stake should this experiment succeed."