Why is it incorrect: to face the uncertainties of the ocean?

[Pavan]

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #117 "Synonyms for threat and danger", question 2

This was Brian's first voyage as a sailor and he was not sure if he was ready to face the ......... of the ocean.

(a) adventures
(b) uncertainties
(c) perils
(d) crisis

Synonym Search, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #117 "Synonyms for threat and danger", answer 2

This was Brian's first voyage as a sailor and he was not sure if he was ready to face the perils of the ocean.

Correct answer: (c) perils

Your answer was: incorrect
This was Brian's first voyage as a sailor and he was not sure if he was ready to face the uncertainties of the ocean.
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why is it not correct to say "ready to face the uncertainties of the ocean"?
When do we use peril, threat, danger, risk? please explain?

Pavan

[Yankee]

Hi Pavan

In my opinion, you could also say "uncertainties of the ocean." I wouldn't consider that wrong.

-- BUT --

A much more typical collocation is perils of the ocean.

And even more typical than that would be perils of the sea.

You can often find typical collocations in a good dictionary, i.e., sentences or phrases using the word you've looked up.

Doing a lot of reading is also helps in getting a good feel for words that are often "partners".

Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln