on shaky ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"on shaky ground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or relationship that is not stable, or something which is on the brink of collapse. For example: "Their relationship has been on shaky ground since they had their first argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some unions are on shaky ground even though no one's admitting it.

Huffington Post

Here again Australia is on shaky ground.

The Economist

But it is built on shaky ground.

The New York Times

Economically and politically the young republic was on shaky ground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So the investment made so far stands on shaky ground.

The Economist

"So now their propaganda is on shaky ground".

The New York Times

America is already standing on shaky ground in the region.

The New York Times

But I also fear the negotiations are on shaky ground".

The New York Times

He is still on shaky ground on foreign policy.

The New Yorker

Suddenly the fearless lacrosse player is on shaky ground.

The New York Times - Books

Kirstjen Nielsen appears to be on shaky ground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on shaky ground" to describe situations, arguments, or relationships that lack a solid foundation and are prone to failure or instability. For instance, you can say "Their marriage is on shaky ground".

Common error

Avoid using "on shaky ground" when the situation is merely uncertain but not necessarily unstable. For a situation with mere uncertainty consider using "uncertain" or "tenuous" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on shaky ground" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the state or condition of a noun, indicating instability or precariousness. Ludwig confirms the phrase's proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on shaky ground" effectively communicates instability or precariousness across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and widespread. It's commonly found in news, academic, and business writing, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the level of instability, and consider alternatives like "in a precarious position" or "on thin ice" to fine-tune your message. This phrase serves as a powerful tool for highlighting potential risks and vulnerabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unstable footing

Implies a lack of security and a high risk of failure.

on thin ice

Emphasizes the danger and potential consequences of a misstep or wrong decision.

in a precarious position

Focuses on the vulnerability of a situation, highlighting the risk of collapse or failure.

at risk

Emphasizes the potential for negative consequences or harm.

hanging by a thread

Suggests that something is barely holding on and could easily fail.

in a vulnerable state

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or negative outcomes.

on the verge of collapse

Indicates that something is very close to failing or breaking down completely.

in a delicate situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling to avoid negative outcomes.

in jeopardy

Stresses the danger and potential loss involved.

in a critical condition

Highlights the severity and urgency of a situation.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "on shaky ground"?

When something is described as "on shaky ground", it means that it's in an unstable or precarious situation, likely to fail or collapse. It implies a lack of security or a solid foundation.

What can I say instead of "on shaky ground"?

You can use alternatives like "in a precarious position", "on thin ice", or "unstable footing" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "on shaky ground" in formal writing?

Yes, "on shaky ground" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Ludwig's examples shows its frequent use in reputable news sources, academic papers, and business reports.

How do I use "on shaky ground" in a sentence?

You can use "on shaky ground" to describe various scenarios, such as "The company's finances are "on shaky ground" due to recent losses" or "Their relationship is "on shaky ground" after the argument".