serious predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

'serious predicament' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a difficult or dangerous situation. For example: When Sally realized she was lost in the woods at night, she knew she was in a serious predicament.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is the serious predicament, the deep and haunting problem, confronting modern man.

The New Yorker

What it all boils down to is that the Knicks are in a serious predicament, not just for this season but for the future.

The New York Times - Sports

"In my own mind, I am convinced that Colonel Fawcett is alive, but he must be in a very serious predicament by now," Dyott declared upon announcing his search effort.

The New Yorker

But he has perhaps unintentionally provided Nigerians with a chance to rethink the flippant way that the bride price is discussed and instead consider the serious predicament of this age-old tradition.

The Guardian

Second, no President can ignore the damage done to American interests by the Iraq war when thinking about future crises — and the possibility of a nuclear Iran is a serious predicament.

The New Yorker

The MetroStars, who have lost two in a row after their victory over D.C. United in the second game of the season, will be in a serious predicament if they lose these next two games and go to 1-5.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I had overcome a major incident, so felt certain I could handle less serious predicaments that might come my way.

The Guardian - Travel

In Hitchcock films, Cary Grant and James Stewart played average men in serious predicaments, but we were familiar with the two actors as highly stylized, invincible stars, and that familiarity allowed us to relish the movies as fanciful adventures.

The New Yorker

Contamination of fresh water by phenol and its derivatives due to their extensive applications has become a serious global predicament.

Applied Water Science

The red-baiting, the fabrication of espionage, and state terror used by the South Korean ruling classes when they faced serious political predicament would demonstrate the specific characteristics of Korean anticommunism embedded psychological strains.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

As a result, California, a much larger economy than Greece, is in at least as serious a predicament.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious predicament" when you want to emphasize the gravity and potential negative consequences of a situation. Ensure the context warrants the strong wording.

Common error

Avoid using "serious predicament" to describe minor inconveniences or trivial problems. This can diminish the phrase's impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious predicament" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "predicament". Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes a specific state or situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious predicament" is a noun phrase used to describe a difficult or dangerous situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is found in various contexts, most frequently in news and media, but also in science. While not overly formal, it's best suited for situations where emphasizing the gravity of the circumstances is important. Related phrases include "grave situation" and "dire straits", offering similar nuances. When writing, avoid overusing "serious predicament" in trivial situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave situation

Emphasizes the severe and potentially dangerous nature of the circumstances.

desperate circumstances

Highlights the urgency and lack of viable options.

dire straits

Highlights the extreme difficulty and distress of the situation.

acute crisis

Emphasizes the sudden and severe nature of the predicament.

critical condition

Focuses on the urgency and potential for negative outcomes.

precarious position

Highlights the instability and potential for collapse.

troubled circumstances

Focuses on the problematic and challenging nature of the situation.

tough spot

Downplays the severity slightly, suggesting a challenging but not necessarily life-threatening situation.

unenviable situation

Highlights that you wouldn't want to be in this situation.

difficult situation

A more general term, lacking the emphasis on severity.

FAQs

How can I use "serious predicament" in a sentence?

Use "serious predicament" to describe a difficult or dangerous situation. For example, "The company found itself in a "serious predicament" after losing its largest client."

What are some alternatives to "serious predicament"?

Alternatives include "grave situation", "dire straits", or "difficult situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "serious predicament" too formal for casual conversation?

While "serious predicament" isn't overly formal, simpler alternatives like "tough spot" or "difficult situation" may be more appropriate for casual conversation.

What makes a predicament "serious"?

A predicament becomes "serious" when it involves significant risk, potential harm, or negative consequences. The term implies a situation that requires careful consideration and action.