it is precarious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is precarious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or condition that is unstable, risky, or uncertain. Example: "The company's financial situation is precarious, and immediate action is needed to avoid bankruptcy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is wild and it is precarious – it's exactly what we were after.

The Guardian - Travel

"It is precarious," says Simmonds.

BBC

Young people in remote Indigenous communities face unique and sometimes extreme challenges — whether it is precarious access to clean water and housing, or a lack of specialized health care and education.

Vice

However, it is precarious to compare the prevalence between different studies, as different methods have been used.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's precarious for everybody.

The New York Times - Sports

At every level, it's precarious.

The Guardian - Film

With the amounts we're dealing with, it's precarious.

The Guardian

It's precarious," warns Eastside Projects' director Gavin Wade.

The Guardian - Travel

Even while the Mets throttled the Braves, it was precarious.

The New York Times - Sports

But no I do, I think we're sitting — it's precarious times.

The Washington Post

That gave us a certain structure and identity, even if it was precarious.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is precarious", follow it with specific details outlining why the situation is unstable or risky. This provides context and strengthens your statement.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "it is precarious" can sound slightly melodramatic in certain formal settings. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "it is unstable" or "it is uncertain" in business reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is precarious" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a judgment about the state or condition of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules. Similar examples emphasize the instability or risk associated with the subject.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is precarious" is used to describe situations that are unstable, risky, or uncertain. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct, although its usage is relatively rare. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with some occurrences in science and travel writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly highlights the risks and uncertainties involved. Alternatives such as "it is risky" or "it is unstable" may be more appropriate in some formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is on shaky ground

This suggests a lack of stability and a high risk of failure.

the situation is unstable

Focuses more on the instability rather than the potential danger.

it's touch and go

This alternative uses an idiom to emphasize uncertainty and a potentially dangerous situation.

it is a risky proposition

This alternative adds a layer of formality and emphasizes the potential for negative consequences.

the outlook is uncertain

Emphasizes the lack of predictability regarding future outcomes.

it is hanging by a thread

This alternative evokes the image of something delicate and easily broken, emphasizing vulnerability.

it is fraught with danger

Highlights the presence of multiple dangers and challenges.

it's a gamble

Focuses specifically on the element of risk and uncertain outcome.

it is touchy

This alternative suggests the situation needs to be handled with care because it could easily go wrong.

it's a delicate balance

This suggests that the situation depends on maintaining equilibrium and is easily disrupted.

FAQs

What does "it is precarious" mean?

The phrase "it is precarious" means that something is unstable, uncertain, or risky. It suggests a situation where things could easily go wrong or where the outcome is difficult to predict.

How can I use "it is precarious" in a sentence?

You can use "it is precarious" to describe a wide range of situations. For example, "The company's financial situation "it is precarious" due to the recent economic downturn" or "The climber's position on the cliff "it is precarious", and one wrong move could be fatal".

Which is more formal, "it is precarious" or "it is risky"?

"It is precarious" is generally considered slightly more formal and emphasizes a sense of instability and potential danger. "It is risky" is a more direct and commonly used alternative, focusing primarily on the element of risk.

What are some alternatives to "it is precarious"?

Some alternatives to "it is precarious" include "it is unstable", "it is risky", "it is uncertain", and "it is tenuous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.