perilous position

USAGE SUMMARY

"perilous position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to describe a dangerous or difficult situation that a person, group, or even an entire country might be in. For example: "The country found itself in a perilous position after its leader was removed from office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We are in a perilous position, but there were positives from that performance.

The Guardian - Sport

All of this leaves Romney in a perilous position.

The New York Times

A Comment describes the perilous position of Antarctic fisheries.

Nature

The Mirror's "Both on a tightrope" headline summed up the player's perilous position.

The Guardian - Sport

Given his perilous position in the polls, Mr. Lazio had the most to gain.

The New York Times

A perilous position to be in, but I'm stuck with it because Violet is happier alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the short term Muntari seemed to have put his team in a perilous position.

The Guardian - Sport

Kim needed one more out to put the Yankees in a perilous position last night.

The New York Times - Sports

But on a rainy afternoon last month, Licari, aka Mr. Blond, was in a perilous position.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chairman Adam Pearson cited the club's perilous position in the Barclays Premier League as the reason for the surprise decision.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This places the military victim in an even more perilous position than a civilian counterpart.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "perilous position", consider the audience and tailor your language to match the tone and formality required. While appropriate in many settings, ensure it aligns with the overall communication style to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "perilous position" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler terms like "risky" or "dangerous" might be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sometimes sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perilous position" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a state of being in danger or at risk. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing the state of companies, countries, and even individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

9%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perilous position" effectively communicates a state of danger or high risk, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase and is commonly used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media, academic, and science-related content. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's advisable to consider the audience and context to avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "precarious situation" or "risky situation" may be more appropriate in certain cases. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of the phrase ensures effective and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and uncertainty of the situation.

dangerous predicament

Emphasizes the difficulty and potential for negative outcomes.

hazardous state

Highlights the inherent risks and potential for harm.

risky situation

General term for a situation involving the possibility of loss or harm.

vulnerable spot

Indicates a weakness or lack of protection.

compromising circumstance

Suggests a situation where one's position or reputation is at risk.

exposed flank

Implies vulnerability to attack or criticism.

tenuous standing

Highlights the fragility and lack of security in one's current state.

in a tight corner

Idiomatic expression emphasizing a difficult situation from which escape is challenging.

on thin ice

Implies being in a delicate or risky situation where mistakes can lead to negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "perilous position" in a sentence?

You can use "perilous position" to describe a dangerous or risky situation. For example, "The company was in a "perilous position" due to declining sales".

What are some alternatives to "perilous position"?

Alternatives include "precarious situation", "dangerous predicament", or "risky situation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "perilous position" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "perilous position" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a dangerous or risky situation. However, always consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What makes a situation qualify as a "perilous position"?

A "perilous position" involves a significant risk of harm, loss, or failure. The severity of the potential negative consequences is a key factor in determining whether a situation qualifies as "perilous".