is pretty dicey

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty dicey" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is risky, uncertain, or potentially problematic. Example: "Investing in that startup is pretty dicey given their lack of a solid business plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Switching the business model for a publication on the Web is pretty dicey business.

The New York Times

Mike Faessler, Kedahda's director of security, acknowledged that the company had two platoons from Colombia's army's 5th brigade "on loan" to protect an exploration operation in the region because the "security situation is pretty dicey".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The concept was pretty dicey to begin with.

The New York Times

"It was pretty dicey conditions," recalled Hinson, who put on a bright yellow suit and helmet headed out with as much confidence as she could muster.

The Guardian

Derian has been on the block since 1994, selling his distinctive decoupaged glass plates and idiosyncratic home goods; when he first arrived, the neighborhood had a reputation of being pretty dicey, but he adored it from the start.

The New York Times

Mr. Becker recalled that when he was attending the School of Architecture and School of Management at Yale as a graduate student in the 1980s, "Yale was nice, but the rest of the city was pretty dicey in places".

The New York Times

The first few minutes of a heart attack are pretty dicey, and still the best way to have a long and healthy life is to avoid a heart attack in the first place.

The Guardian

Point and shoots can be pretty dicey.

TechCrunch

By Sunday they are going to be pretty dicey".

BBC

"China's adherence to the deal has been pretty dicey," says Phillip Laney, the country director for China for the American Soybean Association.

Forbes

"That would be pretty dicey," predicted Rottinghaus.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is pretty dicey" when you want to express that a situation carries a notable degree of risk or uncertainty, but avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise language might be preferred.

Common error

While "is pretty dicey" is acceptable in many situations, be mindful of its informality. In formal reports or academic papers, consider using more precise synonyms like "is quite risky" or "is rather precarious" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty dicey" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject and expressing that the subject's current state involves risk or uncertainty. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this expression is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is pretty dicey" is an acceptable phrase to use when describing a situation that carries a degree of risk or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While it is most commonly found in news and media contexts and is best suited for neutral or slightly informal settings, be mindful of your audience and choose more formal alternatives like "is quite precarious" or "is rather risky" for more formal or professional writing. When in doubt, consider the context and choose the phrase that best conveys the specific nuance you intend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite precarious

Replaces "pretty dicey" with a more formal synonym for risky.

is rather risky

Substitutes "pretty dicey" with a straightforward expression of risk.

is somewhat perilous

Emphasizes the potential danger involved, using a more dramatic term.

is fairly uncertain

Focuses on the lack of predictability in the situation.

involves considerable risk

Shifts the focus to the inherent risk associated with something.

presents a significant gamble

Highlights the speculative nature and potential for loss.

is fraught with uncertainty

Emphasizes the high degree of unpredictability and doubt.

is a chancy proposition

Uses a more informal term to suggest a risky undertaking.

has considerable downside potential

Specifically points out the possibility of negative consequences.

is not without its hazards

Understates the risk involved, implying caution.

FAQs

What does the phrase "is pretty dicey" mean?

The phrase "is pretty dicey" means that a situation is risky, uncertain, or potentially dangerous. It implies that the outcome is not guaranteed and could lead to negative consequences.

What can I say instead of "is pretty dicey"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite precarious", "is rather risky", or "is somewhat perilous" depending on the context.

Is "is pretty dicey" formal or informal?

"Is pretty dicey" leans towards the informal side. While generally understood, it might not be suitable for highly formal writing or professional settings.

How to use "is pretty dicey" in a sentence?

You can use "is pretty dicey" to describe any situation where there's significant risk or uncertainty involved. For example, "Investing in that startup is pretty dicey given their lack of a solid business plan."