perilous situations

USAGE SUMMARY

"perilous situations" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a difficult or dangerous situation. Example: Amy found herself in a perilous situation when she got lost in the woods and had no way to call for help.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

During her career as a social worker she had experienced perilous situations.

The Guardian

The works depict tough men and pulchritudinous damsels (usually in distress) in a variety of perilous situations.

The New York Times - Arts

Yow's lyrics are peopled by drunks who hit one another, annoying "mouth breathers," seasick guys who can't swim, and others in physically perilous situations.

The New Yorker

Her intelligence and tact and her knowledge of the Maya language of the coast and the Nahuatl language of the interior extricated the Spaniards from many perilous situations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Initially, they were designed to help officers react to perilous situations such as riots, hostage taking and where an active shooter was barricaded into a house.

The Guardian

Similarly, the Doctor is at least trying to acknowledge his "duty of care" towards her, all the while plunging her into perilous situations week-on-week.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Whenever Worsley faced a perilous situation — and he was now in more peril than he'd ever been — he asked himself one question: What would Shacks do? Henry Worsley's father, like Shackleton, had been a celebrated leader of men.

The New Yorker

This is a perilous situation.

The New York Times - Sports

Meanwhile, a perilous situation was developing underground.

The New York Times

It's an incredibly perilous situation".

The Guardian

"That's a very perilous situation to be in".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scenario, use "perilous situations" to emphasize the inherent danger and potential for harm, particularly when characters or entities are at significant risk.

Common error

Avoid using "perilous situations" to describe mildly challenging or inconvenient scenarios. This phrase should be reserved for contexts involving genuine danger and the possibility of serious negative outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perilous situations" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "perilous" modifies the noun "situations". It describes scenarios characterized by danger and potential harm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perilous situations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe contexts filled with danger and risk. Ludwig AI validates this, showcasing numerous examples across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While it's versatile, reserve it for scenarios involving genuine threat and avoid overusing it in mildly challenging contexts. Related phrases such as "dangerous circumstances" offer nuanced alternatives. When writing, be mindful of the gravity the phrase carries and use it appropriately to emphasize the severity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dangerous circumstances

Emphasizes the circumstances as being the source of danger, rather than just situations.

risky circumstances

Focuses on the aspect of risk and potential negative outcomes in the circumstances.

hazardous circumstances

Highlights the potential for causing harm or damage within the circumstances.

precarious circumstances

Stresses the instability and uncertainty of the circumstances.

threatening circumstances

Emphasizes the element of potential threat or harm that the circumstances present.

critical incidents

Focuses on specific events that are critical and potentially dangerous.

challenging circumstances

Highlights the demanding and difficult nature of the circumstances.

difficult circumstances

Refers to circumstances that are problematic and not easy to manage.

trying circumstances

Emphasizes that the circumstances are testing one's patience and resilience.

unstable circumstances

Stresses the lack of stability and predictability in the circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "perilous situations" to describe scenarios involving significant danger or risk. For example, "The explorers found themselves in "perilous situations" as they navigated the uncharted jungle."

What are some alternatives to "perilous situations"?

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

Is it more appropriate to say "perilous situations" or "dangerous situations"?

Both "perilous situations" and "dangerous situations" are correct and usable. "Perilous" often implies a more immediate and severe risk compared to "dangerous", but the terms are largely interchangeable.

What kind of situations are best described as "perilous situations"?

"Perilous situations" are best used to describe scenarios where there is a high probability of harm, injury, or loss. Examples include natural disasters, armed conflicts, and life-threatening emergencies.