the perilous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the perilous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is dangerous or risky, often in a dramatic or literary context. Example: "The explorers set out on the perilous journey through the uncharted wilderness, unaware of the dangers that lay ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Survivors of the perilous voyage often report violence and abuse by people traffickers.

BBC

The perilous speed remains.

Independent

Crack replaced uranium as the perilous substance.

The New York Times

We step gingerly and mindfully down the perilous arête.

Independent

Several thousands of them have already made the perilous journey out, by boat toward Italy.

The New York Times

The perilous new direction of the slacker-striver genre reduces the role of women to vehicles.

The New Yorker

Such is the perilous life of impartial arbitrators in baseball and other professional sports.

The New York Times - Sports

Is there a way out of the perilous swamp of ethnic and linguistic identity politics?

The New Yorker

But he did emerge safely from the perilous trip, vowing to press on.

The New York Times - Science

And by nightfall, even the perilous rough had begun to dry out.

The New York Times - Sports

Haiti wasn't starving, but experts were still concerned about the perilous condition of its children.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the perilous" to add a sense of drama or heightened risk to a situation. It's more evocative than simply saying "dangerous".

Common error

Avoid using "the perilous" in everyday situations where the risk is minimal. It can sound overly dramatic or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the perilous" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something as dangerous or risky. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it precedes nouns like "journey", "state", and "crossing".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the perilous" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that adds a sense of danger and risk to the noun it modifies. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective for emphasizing risk, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic in mundane situations. Its alternatives include "the dangerous", "the hazardous", and "the risky", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the dangerous

Replaces "perilous" with a more common synonym, reducing the sense of heightened drama.

the hazardous

Similar to "dangerous" but often implies a more specific and identifiable risk.

the risky

Highlights the element of chance and potential negative outcomes.

the precarious

Emphasizes instability and the likelihood of failure or collapse.

the treacherous

Suggests hidden dangers and the potential for betrayal or deception.

the fraught

Indicates a situation filled with anxiety, stress, and potential problems.

the uncertain

Focuses on the lack of predictability and potential for unexpected negative events.

the critical

Emphasizes the importance and potential for serious consequences.

the insecure

Highlights a lack of safety and stability.

the delicate

Suggests a situation that requires careful handling to avoid negative outcomes.

FAQs

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

Use "the perilous" to describe situations, journeys, or states that involve significant risk or danger. For example, "The migrants embarked on "the perilous journey" across the sea".

What are some alternatives to "the perilous"?

Alternatives include "the dangerous", "the hazardous", or "the risky" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the perilous" in formal writing?

Yes, "the perilous" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the severity of a risk. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

What's the difference between "the perilous" and "the dangerous"?

"The perilous" often suggests a more imminent and severe danger than "the dangerous". While both describe risk, "the perilous" tends to evoke a greater sense of drama and potential harm.