approaching danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approaching danger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is becoming increasingly perilous or threatening. Example: "As the storm clouds gathered, we realized we were approaching danger and needed to seek shelter immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

It failed to prepare them for the approaching danger, despite having been forewarned.

The Economist

But not everyone has a place to run to in the face of approaching danger.

The Guardian

Protest rallies that gathered hundreds of thousands of people in Moscow ruined his inauguration and signalled approaching danger.

The Guardian

Yet the residents of Algiers had reason to complain.Despite signs of rising water, the police failed to stop cars approaching danger zones.

The Economist

Using GPS data, motorcyclists are alerted to approaching danger by lights at the base of the windscreen and audibly through a Bluetooth-equipped helmet.

The New York Times

Such up-to-date warning of an approaching danger, detected from far away, gives the system operator extra time to initiate protective measures that counteract the danger, perhaps saving lives.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

4 At this very time Lysimachus, on hearing of the presence of the enemy, held a council considering how he ought to meet the approaching dangers.

University of Chicago

Jeremy Renner, as a soldier who approaches danger with the conviction of an artist and the compulsiveness of an addict, is simply amazing, and the rest of the cast, notably Brian Geraghty and Anthony Mackie, is nearly as strong.

The New York Times

Starlings chirp even more loudly as they approach danger, making predators aware of their location, but warning other starlings away.

Forbes

Courage is a quality most often noticed in larger events but, as I thought about courage this week, as I thought about how people approach danger and risk, I began to think about the courage that is often found closer to home.

Huffington Post

Try to approach danger areas from the shadows or from behind other areas of concealment or cover.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approaching danger", consider clarifying the nature of the danger and its potential impact to provide a more vivid and informative description. For example, specify if it is an "approaching economic danger" or an "approaching environmental danger".

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing "approaching danger" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and specific terminology when detailing risks in professional or academic reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approaching danger" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "approaching" acts as a present participle modifying the noun "danger". Ludwig's analysis confirms its role in describing a state of increasing risk or threat. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts to denote an imminent peril.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approaching danger" is a commonly used phrase to describe a threat that is becoming imminent, as validated by Ludwig's analysis and its numerous examples across various sources. It functions as a noun phrase, serving to warn or alert about increasing risks. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and particularly prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to provide context to the specific danger to enhance clarity and impact while avoiding overuse in excessively formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imminent threat

Focuses on the immediacy and certainty of the danger.

impending peril

Emphasizes the grave and serious nature of the approaching danger.

looming threat

Highlights the threatening aspect of the danger as it gets closer.

gathering storm

Uses a metaphor to describe the buildup and arrival of danger.

oncoming threat

Stresses the forward movement and inevitability of the danger.

developing crisis

Focuses on the unfolding nature of a dangerous situation.

emerging threat

Highlights the recent appearance and growth of the danger.

escalating risk

Emphasizes the increasing level and severity of the danger.

threat on the horizon

Indicates a distant danger that is becoming closer.

building threat

Focuses on the gradual intensification of a dangerous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "approaching danger" in a sentence?

You can use "approaching danger" to describe a threat that is becoming imminent, as in "The signs clearly indicated "approaching danger", prompting immediate evacuation."

What are some alternatives to "approaching danger"?

Alternatives include "imminent threat", "impending peril", or "looming threat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify the type of danger when using "approaching danger"?

While not always necessary, specifying the type of danger, such as "approaching economic danger" or "approaching environmental danger", can provide clarity and impact to your writing.

What is the difference between "approaching danger" and "present danger"?

"Approaching danger" refers to a threat that is not yet fully realized but is becoming imminent, while "present danger" indicates an immediate and existing threat.