somewhat perilous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat perilous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is moderately dangerous or risky. Example: "The expedition into the uncharted territory was somewhat perilous, requiring careful planning and preparation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

WHY is papal cold-calling "also proving somewhat perilous"?

The New York Times

While the papal phoning has been widely greeted with delight, it is also proving somewhat perilous, with unsubstantiated news reports of calls supposedly made by Francis — including one last week to President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, and another to a young distraught French gay man.

The New York Times

I've seen a skier in full kit traverse the slope, albeit not at an Olympic pace, and once watched a group of youngsters drag a small rowing boat to the top and sail it on a somewhat perilous journey down the snow rapids of Woolton.

The Guardian - Travel

As custom dictates, she was buried in the ihram or simple white tunic that she, like any other pilgrim, had worn in Mecca.The haj, which will bring over 2m people to Mecca towards the end of this month, has always been a somewhat perilous undertaking, and pilgrims like devout travellers of every faith and era see facing the dangers of the road as part of their spiritual duty.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Happy – if slightly perilous – times.

The Guardian - Books

But for many who embraced this somewhat ungainly and occasionally perilous activity, something may have seemed amiss: pleasure.

BBC

Resurgent Turkey has become a Middle East story to watch, and just how perilous standing in its way can be became abundantly clear to a few somewhat hapless United Nations security guards during the annual General Assembly meeting of world leaders.

The New York Times

Above all, they are about the perilous and bizarre adventure of being in a world that encloses us, nourishes us and, like a huge and somewhat crazy mother, will not leave us alone.

The Guardian - Arts

Too perilous.

The New York Times

How perilous?

The New York Times - Sports

These are perilous times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat perilous" to describe situations where there's a tangible risk, but not necessarily an extreme danger. This adds nuance compared to stronger terms like "dangerous" or "hazardous".

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat perilous" when the situation is clearly extremely dangerous. This can undermine the severity of the threat and sound inappropriately casual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat perilous" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a moderate level of danger or risk. Ludwig examples show its use in describing journeys, activities, or situations that possess an element of hazard.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat perilous" is an adjective phrase used to describe situations with a moderate level of risk. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a slightly formal tone. While not as strong as "dangerous", it effectively communicates a potential hazard. When using this phrase, consider whether the level of risk aligns with the intended meaning, opting for alternatives like "slightly dangerous" or "a bit hazardous" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly dangerous

Indicates a small degree of danger; less intense than "somewhat perilous".

moderately risky

Emphasizes the possibility of negative outcomes, similar to "somewhat perilous" but focuses on potential consequences.

a bit hazardous

Highlights the presence of hazards, making it comparable to "somewhat perilous" in describing risky conditions.

fairly unsafe

Suggests a notable lack of safety, similar to "somewhat perilous" but with a stronger emphasis on potential harm.

marginally precarious

Implies a state of instability or uncertainty, resembling "somewhat perilous" in conveying risk but with a focus on fragility.

a touch treacherous

Highlights the deceptive nature of a situation, similar to "somewhat perilous" when referring to hidden dangers.

rather dicey

Suggests uncertainty and potential for a negative outcome, similar to "somewhat perilous" in expressing risk but more informal.

not entirely secure

Indicates a lack of complete safety, echoing the risk suggested by "somewhat perilous".

a little fraught with danger

Emphasizes the presence of danger, similar to "somewhat perilous" but more descriptive.

mildly threatening

Implies a low level of potential harm, similar to "somewhat perilous" when danger is not severe.

FAQs

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

Use "somewhat perilous" to describe situations that carry a moderate level of risk or danger. For example: "The journey through the mountains was "somewhat perilous", but the view from the summit was worth it."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat perilous"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly dangerous", "moderately risky", or "a bit hazardous" depending on the context.

Is "somewhat perilous" too formal for casual conversation?

While "somewhat perilous" isn't overly formal, it might sound a bit elevated in everyday conversation. Consider using "a little risky" or "a bit dicey" for a more relaxed tone.

When is it appropriate to use "somewhat perilous" instead of "dangerous"?

Use "somewhat perilous" when you want to downplay the level of danger. "Dangerous" implies a high level of risk, while "somewhat perilous" suggests the risk is present but not overwhelming. For example, instead of saying "climbing the mountain is dangerous", you can say "climbing the mountain is "somewhat perilous"".