clearest danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clearest danger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the most obvious or apparent threat in a given context. Example: "In this situation, the clearest danger is the potential for a major accident if safety protocols are not followed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's an adventure story, in which Petit confronts the gravest and clearest danger, looks death in the face and survives.

The New Yorker

Merkel wounded Semi-rational exuberance Only the digital dies ReprintsThe clearest danger for Mrs Merkel is that the same thing may happen to her.

The Economist

While the world focuses on Iran as the greatest potential source of nuclear proliferation, the clearest danger may be forming somewhere in Pakistan under the direction of Zawahri and bin Laden.

The New York Times

The Russia investigation is still swirling and Trump's claims that he had no business dealings with Moscow late into his candidacy keep getting debunked but the Cohen case, which is separate, remains the probe that likely presents the clearest danger to his status as a free man.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The dropout crisis presents a clear danger to national prosperity.

The New York Times

An individual throws what appears to be a petrol bomb, putting others in clear danger.

Independent

"These and other incidents pose a clear danger to Lebanon's stability".

The Guardian

But there is a clear danger with such a grand vision, of rushing into anything and everything.

The Economist

The judges said they were not persuaded the men posed a clear danger or a flight risk.

The New York Times

Others were throwing missiles and committing arson, a clear danger to the police and the public," he said.

The Guardian

The centreback then clattered into Hart, meaning he cleared danger and woke up his keeper in one smart intervention.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clearest danger" when you want to emphasize that a particular threat is both obvious and the most significant one to address. It's best suited for situations where clarity and decisiveness are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "clearest danger" when the situation involves multiple, intertwined risks. This phrase works best when there is one prominent, easily identifiable threat. In more complex scenarios, consider describing the various risks and their interdependencies more precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearest danger" functions as a noun phrase, where "clearest" modifies the noun "danger". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It typically serves to identify the most obvious or prominent threat in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clearest danger" is a grammatically sound and effective way to highlight the most obvious and significant threat in a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. While relatively infrequent in overall usage, it's predominantly found in news and media contexts. Use it when you want to draw immediate attention to a prominent risk, but be mindful of avoiding overuse in situations with multiple, intertwined threats. Consider alternatives like ""most obvious threat"" or ""primary threat"" to vary your phrasing and refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Most obvious threat

Replaces "clearest" with "most obvious", focusing on the visibility of the threat.

Most apparent risk

Substitutes "danger" with "risk" and "clearest" with "most apparent", highlighting the evident nature of the risk.

Greatest immediate peril

Emphasizes the urgency and severity of the danger using "greatest immediate peril".

Primary threat

Focuses on the main danger, simplifying the phrase.

Foremost hazard

Replaces "danger" with "hazard", indicating a potential source of harm.

Principal risk

Uses "principal" to denote the main or most important risk.

Main source of peril

Highlights the origin of the danger, specifying it as a source.

Most significant threat

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the threat.

Overriding danger

Indicates a danger that takes precedence over others.

Most pressing hazard

Highlights the urgency of the hazard, indicating it requires immediate attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "clearest danger" to emphasize the most obvious and significant threat in a situation. For example: "In this project, the "clearest danger" is underestimating the complexity of the data migration process".

What are some alternatives to "clearest danger"?

Alternatives include "most obvious threat", "most apparent risk", or "primary threat". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "clearest danger"?

While grammatically correct, using "clearest danger" might be inappropriate if the danger isn't actually clear or if there are multiple dangers of equal significance. In such cases, a more nuanced description of the risks might be necessary.

What is the difference between "clearest danger" and "most significant risk"?

"Clearest danger" emphasizes the obvious and easily identifiable nature of the threat. "Most significant risk", on the other hand, highlights the severity and potential impact of the risk, even if it's not immediately apparent.