more precarious than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more precarious than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of risk or instability of one situation or condition to another. Example: "The current economic climate is more precarious than it was last year, making it difficult for businesses to thrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It certainly looks more precarious than Europe's.

The Economist

Nowhere was Mr. Rabbani's security situation more precarious than on our street.

The New York Times

Still, he said Mr. Obama's situation is more precarious than Mr. Bush's was.

The New York Times

The second one is that the Wallenberg empire is more precarious than it looks.

The Economist

Her situation was more precarious than mine; she was correspondingly less reckless.

The New Yorker

Conditions in this vital economic sector will become even more precarious than they currently are.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even with his grandchildren, though, the game was already more precarious than he figured, he said.

The New York Times - Style

His health was far more precarious than he had let on over the phone.

The New York Times - Food

These were the lessons of a vote which showed the union to be more precarious than anyone had realised.

The Economist

But MacMaster may have made her harder to recognize, and her situation more precarious than it needed to be.

The New Yorker

The irony is that we need good lawyers more than ever, yet the rewards are more precarious than ever".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more precarious than", ensure that the comparison is clear and that both elements being compared are explicitly stated or easily understood from the context.

Common error

Avoid using "more precarious than" without explicitly stating or implying what is being compared. For example, instead of saying "The situation is more precarious than before", specify "The situation is more precarious than it was before the new policy was implemented."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more precarious than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to qualify a noun by indicating a higher degree of risk or instability in relation to something else. Ludwig AI supports this, showing numerous examples where the phrase serves this comparative function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more precarious than" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to express that one situation or condition is less stable or secure than another. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase functions as a comparative adjective phrase, most frequently appearing in News & Media sources. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure clarity in the comparison being made. Alternatives such as "less secure than" or "more unstable than" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, grammatical correctness, and practical applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less secure than

Focuses on the lack of security rather than the inherent danger.

more unstable than

Highlights the lack of stability in a given situation.

more vulnerable than

Emphasizes susceptibility to harm or damage.

more dangerous than

Highlights the presence of increased risk or hazard.

less certain than

Shifts the focus to the lack of certainty or predictability.

more fraught with risk than

Emphasizes the presence of inherent risks in the situation.

on thinner ice than

Uses a metaphor to describe a more dangerous situation.

in a more delicate state than

Focuses on the fragility and sensitivity of the situation.

more touch-and-go than

Implies an uncertain and potentially volatile state.

closer to the edge than

Emphasizes the proximity to a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "more precarious than" in a sentence?

Use "more precarious than" to compare two situations or conditions, indicating one is less stable or secure than the other. For example, "His financial situation is "more precarious than" he lets on."

What are some alternatives to "more precarious than"?

Alternatives include "less secure than", "more unstable than", or "more vulnerable than", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more precarious than"?

Yes, "more precarious than" is grammatically correct. It is a standard comparative phrase used to indicate a higher degree of risk or instability.

What is the difference between "more precarious than" and "more dangerous than"?

"More precarious than" emphasizes a lack of stability or security, while "more dangerous than" highlights the presence of risk or hazard. While related, "more dangerous than" focuses on potential harm, while "more precarious than" focuses on instability.