stakes are high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stakes are high" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation where the potential risks or consequences are severe. For example, "The stakes are high in this election; if the wrong candidate is elected, the consequences will be devastating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The stakes are high though.

Independent

"But the stakes are high".

The New York Times

The potential stakes are high.

The New York Times

Yet the stakes are high.

The Economist

And the stakes are high.

The New York Times

So the stakes are high.

The New York Times

The financial stakes are high.

The Economist

Clearly, the stakes are high.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The stakes are high for dance music.

The New York Times

The stakes are high for such efforts.

The New York Times

The stakes are high.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stakes are high" to clearly communicate that the potential risks and rewards are considerable in a given situation. It's effective for emphasizing the importance of careful decision-making and strategic planning.

Common error

Avoid using "stakes are high" in situations where the consequences are minor or insignificant. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stakes are high" functions as a predicative expression, emphasizing the significant potential consequences or risks associated with a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stakes are high" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the significance and potential consequences of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that a great deal could be gained or lost. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in Science and Formal & Business contexts, this phrase serves to highlight the need for careful consideration and decisive action. To enhance your writing, use "stakes are high" when you want to underscore the importance of a moment or decision. However, avoid overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "much is at risk" or "a lot is on the line" for variety. Remember, clarity and context are key to effectively communicating the weight of any situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much is at risk

This alternative focuses on the potential for loss or negative outcomes.

a lot is on the line

This emphasizes the potential consequences and importance of the situation.

the pressure is on

This alternative highlights the stress and urgency of the situation.

the consequences are significant

This phrase directly addresses the importance of potential results.

the outcome is critical

This stresses the importance of the result.

everything is riding on this

This alternative emphasizes the dependency of future success on the current situation.

this is a make-or-break situation

This option underlines the decisiveness of the current moment.

the potential impact is great

This version focuses on the magnitude of the possible effects.

this is of utmost importance

This choice highlights the high level of significance the situation has.

failure is not an option

This underlines the necessity of success and the unacceptability of negative results.

FAQs

How can I use "stakes are high" in a sentence?

You can use "stakes are high" to emphasize the significance of a situation. For example, "The "stakes are high" in this negotiation, as the future of the company depends on the outcome".

What does "stakes are high" mean?

The phrase "stakes are high" means that there is a great deal to be gained or lost in a particular situation; the potential consequences, whether positive or negative, are substantial.

What can I say instead of "stakes are high"?

You can use alternatives like "a lot is on the line", "much is at risk", or "the consequences are significant" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "stakes are high" in formal writing?

Yes, "stakes are high" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the importance and potential impact of a decision, situation, or event. However, ensure the context justifies its use, maintaining a professional tone.