shaky ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"shaky ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used figuratively to describe a situation that is uncertain, vulnerable, or of questionable security. For example, "With the economy in its current state, I feel like I'm walking on shaky ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here again Australia is on shaky ground.

The Economist

But it is built on shaky ground.

The New York Times

"This regime is on very shaky ground.

The New Yorker

But I admit this is shaky ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

Economically and politically the young republic was on shaky ground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So the investment made so far stands on shaky ground.

The Economist

"So now their propaganda is on shaky ground".

The New York Times

America is already standing on shaky ground in the region.

The New York Times

But I also fear the negotiations are on shaky ground".

The New York Times

He is still on shaky ground on foreign policy.

The New Yorker

Suddenly the fearless lacrosse player is on shaky ground.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shaky ground" in your writing, consider the specific context. Is it referring to a financial situation, a relationship, or an argument? Tailor your surrounding language to clarify the nature of the instability.

Common error

Avoid using "shaky ground" repeatedly within a short span of text. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaky ground" functions as a modifier, typically describing the state or condition of a noun. It suggests instability, uncertainty, or vulnerability. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shaky ground" is a versatile idiom used to describe situations characterized by instability, uncertainty, or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While highly prevalent, it's important to employ this phrase thoughtfully, considering the specific context to avoid overuse and ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "uncertain position" or "precarious situation" can provide nuanced variations. In summary, "shaky ground" is a valuable tool for expressing risk and precariousness, provided it is used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain position

Focuses on the lack of security or stability in someone's role or status.

precarious situation

Highlights the potential danger or risk associated with the situation.

unstable footing

Emphasizes the lack of a firm base or foundation, either literally or figuratively.

tenuous foundation

Suggests that the underlying basis for something is weak and easily undermined.

fragile state

Indicates a delicate condition that could easily be disrupted or broken.

vulnerable position

Highlights susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

risky situation

Draws attention to the element of danger and potential loss.

insecure basis

Implies a lack of confidence or reliability in the underlying support.

debatable premise

Highlights that the basic starting point of an idea is not guaranteed.

dubious standing

Emphasizes a position of questionable validity or moral uprightness.

FAQs

How can I use "shaky ground" in a sentence?

You can use "shaky ground" to describe situations that are unstable or uncertain, such as "The company's finances are on "shaky ground" due to recent losses".

What are some alternatives to "shaky ground"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "uncertain position", "precarious situation", or "unstable footing" as alternatives to "shaky ground".

Is it grammatically correct to say something is 'on shaky ground'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "On "shaky ground"" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe something that is unstable or uncertain.

What's the difference between ""shaky ground"" and "thin ice"?

While both suggest a dangerous situation, ""shaky ground"" typically implies instability or uncertainty, whereas "thin ice" suggests being in a precarious situation where one wrong move could lead to negative consequences.