at death's door

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at death's door" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is very sick or close to dying. Example: The doctor's diagnosis was not promising - she was at death's door with a terminal illness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Portland knows that it's at death's door if it doesn't win Sunday".

The New York Times - Sports

To avoid this, stay well away from elderly relatives and anyone else who's at death's door.

Vice

"I don't know where everybody's getting the news that I'm at death's door," he said Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not the place that I want my loved ones when at death's door.

Huffington Post

Johns is joking at death's door.

The Guardian - Arts

"We're hardly at death's door," says Mr Yudof.

The Economist

A.I.G., the world's most famous insurer, was at death's door.

The New York Times

Kenneth Push Arliss Howardd) is still at death's door.

The New York Times

He still looked bad, but not at death's door.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This theater is at death's door," Mr. Spodick said.

The New York Times

I never saw a cuter dog at death's door.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at death's door" to vividly describe a situation or condition that is extremely critical or life-threatening, whether literally or figuratively. For example, you can use this phrase to describe a person's health or the state of a company or project.

Common error

While "at death's door" is a powerful idiom, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider using it sparingly for maximum effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at death's door" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the subject is very close to dying or is in a state of severe decline, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "at death's door" is a common and vivid way to describe a state of near-death or critical condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, though primarily found in neutral to informal contexts, particularly in News & Media. While powerful, it should be used judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact. Alternatives like "on one's deathbed" or "in critical condition" may be more appropriate for formal settings. The phrase effectively conveys urgency and severity, whether referring to a person's health or the precarious state of an organization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on one's deathbed

Focuses on the location or finality of being close to death.

in critical condition

Emphasizes the severity of the medical state.

on the brink of death

Highlights the imminence of dying.

on the verge of passing away

A more euphemistic way of saying someone is about to die.

fighting for their life

Stresses the struggle to survive a life-threatening situation.

gravely ill

Indicates a serious and concerning state of sickness.

with one foot in the grave

A more figurative expression for being near death.

hanging by a thread

Implies a precarious hold on life.

near the end of their life

A more direct and less idiomatic way to express the same concept.

close to the end

Focuses on the nearing of life's conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "at death's door" in a sentence?

You can use "at death's door" to describe someone or something that is close to dying or failing. For example: "The patient was "at death's door" when they arrived at the hospital", or "The company was "at death's door" before the new CEO took over".

What are some alternatives to saying "at death's door"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "on one's deathbed", "in critical condition", or "on the brink of death".

Is it appropriate to use "at death's door" in formal writing?

While "at death's door" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for less formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more clinical or direct language, such as "in critical condition" or "near the end of life".

Can "at death's door" be used figuratively?

Yes, "at death's door" can be used figuratively to describe situations or entities that are facing imminent failure or collapse, not just literal death. For example, you might say a business is ""at death's door"" if it's about to go bankrupt.