terrible predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very difficult or unfortunate situation someone is facing. Example: "After losing his job and facing mounting debts, he found himself in a terrible predicament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

First, many of us understand that Barack Obama inherited a terrible predicament.

The New York Times - Magazine

"One need only examine the terrible predicament of Con solidated Edison to appreciate the magnitude of this problem," he said.

The New York Times

It was all part of a fruitless search for a theory or precedent that might explain the terrible predicament that had fallen upon him and his countrymen.

The New York Times

I hope Ruth Bader Ginsburg and other Court appointees after her will help to reverse, if not avert, this terrible predicament.

The New York Times

The involvement in this case of Jack Quinn, the former White House counsel, was equally unseemly, placing Mr. Clinton in a terrible predicament.

The New York Times

Any niece with a heart already knows that you made your call in grief and anger at your terrible predicament — and not at her.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Also, their predicament becomes terrible: some go as far as to commit suicide, one dies, all do things through which they profoundly degrade themselves.

The New York Times

It contains straightforward, step-by-step, illustrated instructions for extricating yourself and others from all kinds of terrible predicaments.

The New Yorker

It's just situations that put them into terrible predicaments, although of course human beings like to create their own situations.' He explains that the young murderer of The Decalogue, who kills a taxi driver for no apparent reason, is basically good if his sister hadn't been run over by a tractor, things might have been different.

The Guardian - Film

It's an awful predicament.

The Guardian

None of it is enough, my friend, to take any of us –you, me, or my daughter – out of our terrible karmic predicament.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrible predicament" when you want to emphasize the severity and unpleasantness of a difficult situation. Ensure the context warrants the strong negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible predicament" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "difficult situation" or "tough spot" when communicating with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible predicament" functions as a noun phrase, with "terrible" modifying the noun "predicament". It serves to describe a state of difficulty or misfortune, intensifying the gravity of the situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrible predicament" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for describing a severe and unfortunate situation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for expressing concern or disapproval. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, as well as in academic writing, conveying a strong negative connotation. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in very informal contexts, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "dire straits" or "difficult situation" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dire straits

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the situation.

awful plight

Highlights the distress and suffering involved.

difficult situation

A more general term for a challenging set of circumstances.

untenable position

Focuses on the impossibility of maintaining the current state.

hopeless case

Suggests a lack of positive resolution.

precarious situation

Highlights the instability and risk involved.

unfortunate circumstances

A more formal way to describe an undesirable situation.

impossible situation

Emphasizes the lack of viable solutions.

grave crisis

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential danger.

sticky situation

An informal way of describing a difficult problem or challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "terrible predicament" to describe a very difficult or unfortunate situation. For example: "After losing his job and facing mounting debts, he found himself in a terrible predicament."

What are some alternatives to "terrible predicament"?

You can use alternatives like "dire straits", "awful plight", or "difficult situation" depending on the context.

Is "terrible predicament" formal or informal?

"Terrible predicament" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for news reports, academic papers, and professional communication. Simpler phrases are preferred in more casual speech.

What makes "terrible predicament" different from "difficult situation"?

"Terrible predicament" emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the situation more strongly than the more neutral phrase "difficult situation". Use "terrible predicament" when you want to highlight the extreme difficulty or misfortune involved.