this precarious situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this precarious situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is unstable, risky, or uncertain, often implying potential danger or difficulty. Example: "The negotiations have reached this precarious situation, where any misstep could lead to a complete breakdown of talks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This precarious situation urgently calls for more federal spending, not less, though that message has been lost on Congress.

The New York Times

"My wish is to start something so I am not in this precarious situation — earning daily, eating daily," Gaurav, who uses one name, said.

The New York Times

This precarious situation is exacerbated by the fact that the 1974 right-of-way agreement requires Alyeska to dismantle the pipeline and restore the land when the pipeline ceases operation.

Yale University

On top of this precarious situation, authorities in the disaster areas now face the vast challenge of rebuilding after a tragedy that left 24,000 people dead or unaccounted for, and 100,000 at least temporarily homeless.

The Economist

This precarious situation, Mr. Brzezinski says, means that "it will take years of deliberate effort and genuine skill to restore America's political credibility and legitimacy," placing enormous importance on the diplomatic and strategic skills of the next president "to fashion a truly post-cold-war globalist foreign policy".

The New York Times - Books

This precarious situation addresses a number of crucial questions about belonging in an age of large-scale international migration where established conceptions of who belongs to the society, and who do not, are challenged: who is actually included in society?

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In conclusion, this assessment documents the precarious situation facing households in rural Artibonite Department with respect to safe water supplies.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

On the heels of this body of research, the precarious situation in the MENA region, its reliance on aid, and the fact that ODA has grown significantly in the recent past20, our findings point to persistent problems of aid effectiveness.

Nature

But the bonds could leave investors exposed, especially given the precarious situation in Europe.

The New York Times

Given the precarious situation of millions of farmers, now is the time to promote FMNR on a global scale.

Land Restoration Reclaiming Landscapes for a Sustainable Future

Post-doctoral researchers are subject to the same poor pay and conditions as PhD students, so they can be placed in this financially precarious situation for periods of more than ten years.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this precarious situation", ensure the context clearly establishes what 'this' refers to, providing a specific reference point for the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "this precarious situation" without providing enough variation or further explanation, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this precarious situation" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific state of affairs characterized by instability and risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this precarious situation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an unstable, risky, or uncertain state of affairs. As Ludwig AI affirms, it is suitable for use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys a sense of urgency and the need for careful attention. When using this phrase, ensure clear context and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "this unstable state" or "this risky position" can be considered to add nuance or variety to your writing. The phrase appears in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this unstable state

Replaces "precarious" with "unstable" and "situation" with "state", emphasizing the lack of stability.

this risky position

Substitutes "precarious" with "risky" and "situation" with "position", highlighting the element of danger involved.

this delicate circumstance

Replaces "precarious" with "delicate" and "situation" with "circumstance", suggesting a need for careful handling.

this critical juncture

Substitutes "precarious" with "critical" and "situation" with "juncture", implying a decisive point with potential for negative outcomes.

this vulnerable condition

Replaces "precarious" with "vulnerable" and "situation" with "condition", stressing susceptibility to harm.

this sensitive matter

Substitutes "precarious" with "sensitive" and "situation" with "matter", emphasizing the need for careful consideration and discretion.

this tricky predicament

Replaces "precarious" with "tricky" and "situation" with "predicament", highlighting the challenging nature of the situation.

this uncertain state of affairs

Replaces "precarious situation" with a longer phrase conveying a similar sense of unpredictability and potential trouble.

this hazardous environment

Substitutes "precarious" with "hazardous" and "situation" with "environment", focusing on the dangerous aspects of the surroundings.

this compromised scenario

Replaces "precarious" with "compromised" and "situation" with "scenario" suggesting that something has been put at risk or damaged.

FAQs

How can I use "this precarious situation" in a sentence?

You can use "this precarious situation" to describe circumstances that are unstable or risky. For example: "This precarious situation requires immediate action to prevent further complications".

What are some alternatives to "this precarious situation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this unstable state", "this risky position", or "this delicate circumstance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "precarious situation" mean?

A "precarious situation" refers to a state of affairs that is unstable, uncertain, and potentially dangerous or difficult. It suggests a vulnerability to adverse outcomes.

Is it better to use "this precarious situation" or "this dangerous situation"?

The choice depends on the specific context. "Precarious" implies instability and uncertainty, while "dangerous" emphasizes the presence of immediate risk or harm. "This precarious situation" might be used when the outcome is uncertain, while "this dangerous situation" would be used when the threat is clear.