precarious situations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precarious situations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe circumstances that are unstable, uncertain, or risky, often involving potential danger or difficulty. Example: "The workers found themselves in precarious situations due to the lack of safety measures at the construction site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For now, analysts do not see insurers in precarious situations.

The New York Times

Yet his immaculate manners have helped navigate some precarious situations with famous clients.

Independent

He was adept at avoiding precarious situations, but unable to dodge them all.

The New York Times - Sports

In Finland, migrant Ukrainians have found themselves in similarly precarious situations in recent years.

The New York Times

"Precarious situations in countries of first asylum are also driving many to leave for Europe.

The Guardian

Next week the company will roll out a round-the-clock hotline for users who find themselves in precarious situations.

The New York Times

For Mr. Condra and others in more precarious situations, even the prospect of recovery brings little comfort.

The New York Times

The captain led Staten Island's Rescue 5, an elite company that saves people from a horrendous array of precarious situations.

The New York Times

Realizing how weak the statute was, and the kind of precarious situations it could create for government officials, the O.G.E.

The New Yorker

"I try to put my body in precarious situations coming from different parts of the floor, different angles to try to get my momentum going moving forward.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're putting them into some pretty precarious situations," said Andy Williams, head of special events at Grand Targhee, of the racecourse he helped lay out.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "precarious situations", consider the specific nuance you want to convey – is it the risk, the instability, or the vulnerability that is most relevant? Choose synonyms accordingly.

Common error

While "precarious situations" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language depending on the context. For example, use phrases that highlight specific aspects of the situation such as "unstable conditions" or "risky environment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precarious situations" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing unstable or risky circumstances. The phrase often highlights potential negative outcomes in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precarious situations" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe conditions marked by instability, risk, and uncertainty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is effectively used across a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you intend to convey and choose synonyms accordingly. While generally acceptable, it's important to avoid overuse in highly formal writing and instead opt for more precise language as needed. The phrase’s high frequency and consistent usage across reputable sources reinforce its validity and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risky situations

Emphasizes the element of potential danger and negative consequences.

dangerous situations

Highlights the presence of immediate threat or harm.

unstable situations

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

uncertain situations

Stresses the unpredictable nature and lack of clarity in the circumstances.

fragile situations

Highlights the delicate nature and susceptibility to disruption.

vulnerable situations

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or exploitation.

tenuous situations

Indicates a weak or shaky foundation, prone to collapse.

delicate situations

Highlights the need for careful handling to avoid negative outcomes.

dire situations

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the circumstances.

shaky situations

Focuses on the unsteadiness and lack of security.

FAQs

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

You can use "precarious situations" to describe circumstances that are unstable, dangerous, or uncertain. For example, "The refugees found themselves in "precarious situations" after fleeing their war-torn country."

What are some alternatives to "precarious situations"?

Alternatives to "precarious situations" include "risky situations", "dangerous situations", or "unstable situations". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes a situation "precarious"?

A "precarious situation" is characterized by instability, uncertainty, and potential danger. It suggests a lack of security and a high risk of negative outcomes.

Is it better to say "precarious situations" or "difficult situations"?

While both phrases describe challenging circumstances, "precarious situations" implies a higher degree of risk and instability compared to general "difficult situations". Use "precarious situations" when the element of danger is significant.