what's at stake

USAGE SUMMARY

"what's at stake" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that could be gained or lost, such as a potential consequence of an action or decision. For example, "If we don't take action, we must consider what's at stake: the health of our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What's at stake here?

The New York Times

That's what's at stake.

The New York Times

First, what's at stake.

The New York Times - Food

But what's at stake?

The New York Times - Arts

We know what's at stake".

The New York Times - Sports

So that's what's at stake.

The New York Times

We know what's at stake here.

The New York Times - Sports

(John Cassidy identifies what's at stake).

The New Yorker

The Razorbacks realize what's at stake.

The New York Times

"Everyone knows what's at stake".

The New York Times

That's what's at stake here".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what's at stake", ensure that the context provides sufficient information for the audience to understand the specific risks or rewards involved. Avoid vagueness to maximize the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "what's at stake" for minor or insignificant situations. The phrase carries a sense of importance, so reserve it for scenarios where the potential consequences are genuinely substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's at stake" functions as an interrogative clause introducing the central issue or potential consequences in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase. Examples in the provided data showcase its role in setting the stage for discussions about risks, rewards, or critical considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what's at stake" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for emphasizing the potential consequences of a situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal communication. While alternatives like "what is at risk" or "what hangs in the balance" exist, "what's at stake" offers a direct and clear way to highlight the importance of understanding potential outcomes. Remember to reserve its use for scenarios with genuinely significant consequences and always consider the context to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is at risk

This alternative emphasizes the potential negative outcomes or dangers involved.

what is to be gained or lost

This alternative highlights both the positive and negative possibilities.

what are the potential consequences

This alternative focuses on the results that could follow from a particular action or decision.

what hangs in the balance

This alternative suggests a state of uncertainty and the importance of the outcome.

what's on the line

This alternative emphasizes the potential for significant loss or failure.

what is in jeopardy

This alternative stresses the danger or threat to something valuable.

what are the implications

This alternative looks at the wider effects and ramifications.

what is the significance

This alternative underlines the importance or meaning of the situation.

what are the possible repercussions

This alternative specifically refers to the negative outcomes that may occur.

what's the bottom line

This alternative concentrates on the essential or most important factor.

FAQs

How can I use "what's at stake" in a sentence?

Use "what's at stake" to emphasize potential gains or losses in a situation. For example, "We need to consider "what's at stake" before making a decision" highlights the importance of understanding the possible outcomes.

What are some alternatives to "what's at stake"?

You can use alternatives like "what is at risk", "what hangs in the balance", or "what's on the line" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "what's at stake" in formal writing?

Yes, "what's at stake" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to express the importance of potential consequences in professional, academic, or journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "what's at stake" and "what are the implications"?

"What's at stake" focuses on the potential gains or losses directly involved in a decision or situation. "What are the implications", on the other hand, considers the broader, longer-term effects and ramifications that may result.