a looming danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a looming danger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a threat or risk that is imminent or approaching. Example: "The scientists warned the public about a looming danger of climate change if immediate action is not taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The scope for playing games, and cherry-picking the most favourable ratings, will increase, and may even come to dominate banks' risk-management decisions.The shellgame played around CDOs should be enough to alert investors and regulators to a looming danger.

The Economist

Even the "Charade" dreamboat -- as played by Cary Grant, the epitome of such -- who might be able to take her away from all that, turned out to be a looming danger.

The New York Times

In April the World Health Organisation warned that antibiotic resistance was no longer a looming danger but a reality with the potential to affect anyone of any age in any country.

The Guardian

"This bloodbath proves that those who laughed at or ignored the fears of so many people about a looming danger of Islamism were wrong," said Alexander Gauland, a regional leader of AfD, which has its roots in the euro crisis and is currently riding at about 6% in nationwide polls, on the day of the Charlie Hebdo attacks.

The Guardian

The conflicting views of what took place this week -- a vigorous response to a looming danger, or a knee-jerk overreaction driven by political calculations as much as practical ones -- may be impossible to reconcile, given that much of the intelligence that has been disclosed is murky, and that presumably there is more that remains hidden from public view.

The New York Times

While cumulative fatigue in their last Test of the year appeared to affect the Pumas' performance, the new-found verve of the Irish is a looming danger for Wales, as their first opponents in the defence of their Six Nations title in February.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The red swimming pool on the spine of the CD case and on the disc represents what Donwood termed "a symbol of looming danger and shattered expectations".

Wikipedia

On Sept. 7, residents were reminded again of the looming danger when a truck driver delivering shingles barreled down the road, lost control, crossed an intersection and plowed into the front of a furniture shop.

The New York Times

She reminded us that if we can move forward from that darkness, we can also move forward from the looming danger of a Trump presidency. .

Huffington Post

Demographic trends thus helped to implant in the German population a feeling of both momentary strength and looming danger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In February 2009, The Daily Nation newspaper in Kenya reported on the looming danger of just such a pipeline explosion in the Sinai slum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a looming danger", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the danger is and why it is considered to be looming or imminent.

Common error

Avoid using "a looming danger" in contexts where the threat is not well-defined or is exaggerated for dramatic effect, as this can undermine the credibility of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a looming danger" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As per Ludwig, it's used to denote a threat that is approaching and imminent. This noun phrase identifies something negative, or something unwanted that is threatening to happen.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a looming danger" is a noun phrase used to describe a threat that is imminent and approaching. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and often used in contexts where warning or alerting someone to a potential negative outcome is important. Its register is generally neutral, though it frequently appears in news and media, as well as some scientific contexts. While semantically similar alternatives exist, like "an impending threat" or "a gathering threat", "a looming danger" carries a specific sense of foreboding that makes it particularly effective in certain situations. While grammatically correct and appropriate for different contexts, the best practice is always to consider the context in which it is used in order to maximize its effectiveness and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an impending danger

Emphasizes the nearness and inevitability of the danger.

a gathering threat

Focuses on the gradual accumulation of the threat.

a brewing crisis

Suggests a situation that is developing into a dangerous state.

an approaching peril

Highlights the sense of risk and potential harm.

a developing threat

Implies that the threat is actively growing and becoming more serious.

an escalating danger

Indicates a danger that is rapidly increasing in intensity or scope.

a rising threat

Similar to "gathering threat", but with a sense of increasing power.

an emerging crisis

Focuses on the initial stages of a crisis becoming apparent.

a growing risk

More generic, emphasizing the increasing probability of negative outcomes.

a darkening horizon

A more figurative way to describe a future with increasing problems.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a looming danger" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a looming danger" in a sentence, clearly define the danger and its potential impact. For example, "The scientists warned of "a looming danger" of coastal flooding due to rising sea levels."

What are some alternatives to "a looming danger"?

You can use alternatives like "an impending threat", "a gathering threat", or "a brewing crisis", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a looming danger" in formal writing?

Yes, "a looming danger" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in news, science, or business contexts where it's important to highlight potential future risks. However, ensure the context supports the urgency implied by the phrase.

What distinguishes "a looming danger" from "a potential risk"?

"A looming danger" suggests a higher degree of certainty and immediacy compared to "a potential risk". A potential risk is a possibility, while "a looming danger" implies that the negative outcome is likely and approaching.