perilous state

USAGE SUMMARY

"perilous state" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation that presents a great risk of harm, injury, or loss. For example, "The Covid-19 pandemic has left the world in a perilous state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a perilous state of affairs.

MIT Technology Review

GP services are also in a perilous state.

The Guardian

Daily life, if uncaptioned, is a fraught and perilous state.

The New York Times

His movies are paeans to the natural world and warnings about its perilous state.

The Economist

The decision leaves the regulation of generic drugs in a perilous state.

The New York Times

His films are often paeans to the natural world and warnings about its perilous state.

The Economist

The perilous state of the American economy undercuts the president's assertions that he prevented something worse.

The New York Times

Given the perilous state of the Cypriot economy, it is no easy assignment.

The New York Times

These figures reflect the perilous state of affairs in overstretched acute services".

The Guardian

The perilous state of finances in the remaining resorts may reduce even that estimate.

The Guardian

I included a letter from my vet that confirmed the perilous state of Betty's health.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "perilous state", provide specific details about the nature of the danger or risk to enhance clarity and impact. For instance, instead of saying "The economy is in a perilous state", specify which sectors are vulnerable and why.

Common error

Avoid using "perilous state" excessively in contexts where the danger is not genuinely significant. Overusing dramatic language can diminish its impact when describing truly critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perilous state" functions as a descriptive expression, typically modifying a noun to indicate a condition of significant danger or risk. This is supported by Ludwig, where the phrase is used in contexts ranging from economic instability to health crises.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perilous state" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation characterized by significant danger or risk. Ludwig's AI affirms its validity, and the numerous examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts, including news, business, and science. While versatile, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the danger is genuine and significant to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "dangerous situation" or "precarious situation" may offer more nuanced descriptions depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dangerous situation

Focuses more on the situation itself being dangerous rather than the state or condition.

hazardous condition

Emphasizes the presence of hazards and potential risks.

precarious situation

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of the circumstances.

risky condition

Underscores the element of risk involved.

critical condition

Indicates a severe and urgent state requiring immediate attention.

unstable situation

Focuses on the lack of stability and potential for sudden change.

fragile state

Implies a delicate and easily damaged condition.

jeopardized state

Highlights that something is being put at risk.

insecure position

Emphasizes a lack of safety and security.

threatened circumstances

Focuses on the circumstances being under threat.

FAQs

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

You can use "perilous state" to describe a situation involving significant danger or risk, such as "The country's political climate is in a "perilous state" due to ongoing conflicts".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "perilous state"?

Alternatives include "dangerous situation", "hazardous condition", or "precarious situation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "perilous state" or "dangerous state"?

"Perilous state" and "dangerous state" are similar, but "perilous" often implies a more immediate and severe risk. The choice depends on the degree of danger you want to emphasize.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "perilous state"?

Avoid using "perilous state" in situations where the risk is minimal or the danger is exaggerated. It's best reserved for scenarios involving genuinely significant threats.