this very predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this very predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a specific difficult situation or dilemma that is currently being discussed or experienced. Example: "We find ourselves in this very predicament, and we must find a solution quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Governments across Europe are racing to change their state pension arrangements to avoid this very predicament.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But, this is what depicts the very predicament of illness as a first-person experience, laden with uncertainty that creates what Cassell [ 14] has termed the 'subjective portrait' of each patient that must be understood by the physician.

BMC Medical Education

It is this very lack of welterweight star power that has the UFC in a bit of a predicament.

Huffington Post

I could see this writer's predicament very clearly.

The New Yorker

In between there was a very big predicament.

The New York Times

Being there felt like a very difficult predicament.

The Guardian

"In March and April, you overcame a very difficult predicament," he said.

The New York Times

"We were in a very awkward predicament, no engine and no sail," Amundsen wrote, but the crew raised the trysail, and the Gjöa continued on.

The New Yorker

"In my own mind, I am convinced that Colonel Fawcett is alive, but he must be in a very serious predicament by now," Dyott declared upon announcing his search effort.

The New Yorker

After Mr. O'Brien's open letter to the "people of earth" about his "very public predicament" was published via the PRNewswire on Tuesday afternoon, thousands of comments swamped entertainment and media Web sites.

The New York Times - Arts

"You were able to put an end to the very excruciating predicament that we faced in March and April," said Mr. Hosono, who wore the blue uniform of the workers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this very predicament" to emphasize the immediate and specific nature of the problem you are addressing. This can add urgency and focus to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "this very predicament" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a level of formality that may sound unnatural in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this very predicament" functions as a demonstrative phrase, specifying and emphasizing a particular difficult situation. It points to a specific issue at hand. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct. The examples from Ludwig illustrate this usage in both news and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this very predicament" is a phrase used to emphasize a specific and often difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage leans towards neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles and scientific publications. The phrase serves to highlight the urgency and specificity of the issue at hand. While examples are relatively rare, its impact lies in its ability to underscore the pressing nature of the dilemma being discussed. Consider alternative phrases like "this exact dilemma" or "this particular quandary" for varying degrees of emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this exact dilemma

Replaces 'predicament' with 'dilemma' and 'very' with 'exact', emphasizing the specific nature of the problem.

this particular quandary

Substitutes 'predicament' with 'quandary', highlighting the perplexing aspect of the situation.

this precise situation

Uses 'situation' instead of 'predicament' to present the problem in more general terms, focusing on the given state of affairs.

this specific set of circumstances

Replaces 'predicament' with a broader phrase to describe the totality of the situation.

this very crisis

Replaces 'predicament' with 'crisis' suggesting a situation of greater urgency and danger.

the current plight

Focuses on the unfortunate or difficult situation someone is in.

this problematic scenario

Emphasizes the troublesome aspect of the situation by using 'problematic'.

this difficult position

Presents the predicament as a challenging place or state to be in.

the existing hardship

Highlights the suffering or difficulty caused by the current situation.

this unfortunate state of affairs

Offers a more general description of the undesirable situation.

FAQs

How can I use "this very predicament" in a sentence?

You can use "this very predicament" to emphasize a specific difficult situation. For example: "We find ourselves in "this very predicament", and a swift solution is needed."

What phrases are similar to "this very predicament"?

Alternatives include "this exact dilemma", "this particular quandary", or "this precise situation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "this very predicament" suitable for formal or informal writing?

"This very predicament" is generally more suitable for formal writing due to its slightly elevated tone. In informal contexts, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "this predicament" and "this very predicament"?

Adding "very" to "this predicament" emphasizes the immediacy and specificity of the situation. It's used to highlight the current, exact nature of the dilemma.