always lurking

USAGE SUMMARY

'always lurking' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something hidden or present in a certain place, situation or state of affairs, often in a negative way. For example, "I could sense a sense of danger always lurking in the shadows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Italy and Germany are always lurking.

The New York Times - Sports

Paranoia is their climate, the macabre is always lurking.

The Guardian

And the prospect of defeat is always lurking behind her.

The Guardian - Sport

"The necessary-and-proper clause is always lurking in these commerce clause cases".

The New York Times - Health

But I was never able to totally relax, because I felt like he was always lurking".

The New York Times - Sports

We had to rediscover the change agent that was always lurking within our institution".

The New York Times

And then there is the question of race, always lurking in a place of migrations.

The Guardian

But these rules, of course, are always lurking, along with inequities.

The New York Times - Arts

Cromwell is always lurking, barely visible, on the edge of things: dressed in black.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Kai-lan is a peacemaker and amateur therapist whose smiling YeYe (paternal grandfather) is always lurking.

The New York Times - Arts

After a slow opening, a healthy dose of danger was always lurking, with both teams happy to attack.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always lurking" to create a sense of unease or anticipation. It's effective when describing potential threats, hidden dangers, or underlying tensions.

Common error

Avoid using "always lurking" in contexts where a simpler, more direct description would suffice. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. For instance, instead of saying "dust is always lurking in the corners", simply state "dust collects in the corners".

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase modifying a verb. The phrase "always lurking" functions to describe the manner in which something exists or is present. As noted by Ludwig, it indicates a constant, often subtle or threatening presence. It modifies verbs to suggest something is continuously and covertly present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "always lurking" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to depict a persistent, often unseen, presence, particularly of something negative or threatening. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as an adverbial modifier, enhancing the sense of unease or anticipation. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts where highlighting a continuous, underlying tension is desired. Alternatives like "constantly present" or "ever-present danger" can be used to vary the expression, but "always lurking" effectively conveys a sense of hidden, ongoing presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever-present danger

Highlights the threatening aspect and emphasizes the continuous nature of the threat.

relentlessly shadowing

Conveys a sense of aggressive pursuit or surveillance, adding a negative dimension.

constantly present

Replaces the action-oriented "lurking" with a state of being, focusing on continuous presence.

invariably present

Highlights the consistent and unchanging presence of something.

persistently hovering

Suggests a continuous presence that is slightly more active and perhaps intrusive than "lurking".

perpetually in the background

Shifts the focus to a constant, but not necessarily threatening, presence in the background.

unremittingly close

Focuses on the constant proximity, implying a potential threat or influence.

incessantly waiting

Emphasizes the unwavering anticipation or expectancy.

permanently on the horizon

Suggests something that is always anticipated or expected, often with a sense of foreboding.

habitually nearby

Indicates a customary or usual presence in close proximity.

FAQs

How can I use "always lurking" in a sentence?

Use "always lurking" to describe something that is constantly present in a subtle or threatening way. For example, "The fear of failure was "always lurking" in the back of his mind".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "always lurking"?

You can use alternatives such as "constantly present", "ever-present danger", or "perpetually in the background" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "lurking always" instead of "always lurking"?

While grammatically understandable, "lurking always" is less common and can sound awkward. "Always lurking" is the standard and more natural-sounding word order.

What feeling does the phrase "always lurking" evoke?

The phrase "always lurking" typically evokes a sense of unease, suspense, or potential danger. It suggests that something is hidden but continuously present, ready to emerge or cause trouble.