stakes were high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stakes were high" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that the potential consequences or risks involved in a situation are significant or important. Example: The stakes were high as the two teams entered the final quarter of the championship game. (meaning that the outcome of the game was crucial and had a lot riding on it).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The stakes were high.

The New York Times - Science

Obama said the stakes were high.

The Guardian

The stakes were high, Birt said.

The Guardian

The stakes were high all around.

The New York Times - Sports

For Wozniacki, too, the stakes were high.

The New Yorker

Stakes were high at the December, 2008, call-in.

The New Yorker

Here was the sequel and the stakes were high.

The Guardian - Sport

For the Tartan Army, the stakes were high.

Independent

For Mr. Hubbard's employer, HarperCollins, the stakes were high.

The New York Times

Still, Mr. Tarullo suggested the stakes were high.

The New York Times

The tension between the two rivals was thick, and the stakes were high.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "stakes were high" with specific details to provide context, illustrating what exactly was at risk. For example: "The stakes were high for the company, as failure to secure the contract would result in bankruptcy".

Common error

Avoid using "stakes were high" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it was important" or "there was a lot riding on it" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stakes were high" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used to emphasize the importance or risk associated with a particular situation or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used in written English to highlight significant potential consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stakes were high" is a common and correct expression used to emphasize the significance or risk associated with a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys the importance of the matter at hand. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage can enhance clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great deal was at stake

Emphasizes the importance of what could be gained or lost.

it was a high-stakes situation

Uses 'high-stakes' as an adjective to describe the scenario.

much was at risk

Focuses on the potential negative consequences or losses.

the risks were considerable

Highlights the magnitude of potential dangers.

everything was on the line

Suggests that failure would result in losing everything.

the potential losses were significant

Specifically mentions the possibility of losing something important.

failure was not an option

Highlights the critical need for success and the unacceptability of failure.

the outcome mattered greatly

Shifts the focus to the importance of the result.

the game was crucial

Emphasizes how important the situation was.

the pressure was immense

Focuses on the high level of stress and tension.

FAQs

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

Use "stakes were high" to indicate that the potential consequences or risks in a situation are significant. For instance, "The "stakes were high" during the negotiations, as the future of the company depended on the outcome."

What are some alternatives to saying "stakes were high"?

You can use phrases such as "much was at risk", "a great deal was at stake", or "the risks were considerable depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "stakes were high" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, business analyses, and academic papers, as it effectively conveys the importance and potential consequences of a situation.

What's the difference between "stakes were high" and "expectations were high"?

"Stakes were high" implies that there are significant risks and consequences involved, while "expectations were high" suggests that there was a strong anticipation of success or positive results. Though related, they emphasize different aspects of the situation. For example the "stakes were high" in a game and also the "expectations were high" to win it.