barely alive

USAGE SUMMARY

"barely alive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to indicate that a person or organism is only barely alive or functional. For example, "He had been lost in the desert for days and was found barely alive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is an open secret that the fund is barely alive," he added.

The New York Times

Troy was barely alive.

The Guardian

"We were barely alive".

The New York Times

But the flame is barely alive.

The Guardian

Malicki found his friend barely alive.

The Guardian

"Come and see, I am barely alive".

The New York Times

Sister Maria is barely moving, barely alive.

The Guardian - Film

"Steve Austin … astronaut … a man barely alive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Doha round of world trade talks is barely alive.

The Economist

Compromises have to be made to keep it (barely) alive.

The New York Times

I was barely alive for the Cold War.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "barely alive", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a physical state, a metaphorical situation (like a business), or an abstract concept (like an idea). Consider adding clarifying details to enhance the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "barely alive" in situations where the subject is merely weakened or slightly impaired. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where the subject is genuinely close to death or complete failure to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely alive" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state. It indicates that the subject is existing with minimal vital functions or operational capacity, often implying a precarious or critical condition. As Ludwig AI suggests, its grammatical correctness is confirmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barely alive" is a grammatically sound and very common adjectival phrase used to describe a state of near-death or minimal functionality. According to Ludwig, it's indeed correct. Its purpose is to convey severity and urgency, making it suitable for various contexts, especially news & media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and reserve it for situations where the subject is truly close to demise or failure. Alternatives like "hanging by a thread" or "on the brink of death" can provide nuanced variations. Remember to use "barely alive" judiciously for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost dead

A more literal and direct alternative.

on the brink of death

Emphasizes the proximity to dying.

at death's door

A more figurative way of saying someone is near death.

hanging by a thread

Indicates a precarious situation, close to failure or death.

clinging to life

Suggests a desperate effort to stay alive.

scarcely living

Focuses on the minimal quality of life.

fading fast

Suggests a rapid decline in health or functionality.

on life support

Highlights dependency on medical intervention to stay alive.

with one foot in the grave

An idiomatic expression for being very old or ill.

barely functioning

Implies minimal operational capacity, not necessarily related to life.

FAQs

How can I use "barely alive" in a sentence?

You can use "barely alive" to describe someone or something that is close to death or non-functional. For example: "The injured bird was "barely alive" when we found it."

What are some alternatives to saying "barely alive"?

Alternatives include "hanging by a thread", "on the brink of death", or "almost dead" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "barely alive" in formal writing?

Yes, "barely alive" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, scientific articles, or descriptive narratives where accuracy is important. However, consider the impact of this phrase and if it's too sensational for the context.

What's the difference between "barely alive" and "on life support"?

"Barely alive" describes a state of being close to death, while "on life support" specifies that someone's vital functions are being artificially maintained. Someone can be "barely alive" without being "on life support", and vice versa.