danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "danger" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a possible or real threat or hazard, either physical or mental. For example, "Driving too fast can be a danger to yourself and other drivers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Opinion

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the law of torts, our tradition, our law, has been that you don't have the duty to rescue someone if that person is in danger.

The New York Times

Emergency services said on Friday the decision had been made because of the danger posed by flying debris in the predicted strong winds.

The Guardian

That's the danger.

The Guardian - Film

The adrenalin pumps regularly and often, whether we're in mortal danger or just coming out to bat at number 9 for Malden Wanderers third XI.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think there's a real danger for the UK and the Westminster parties if they present a referendum that would lead to exit from the EU," she tells me.

The Guardian

Jason Gillespie has been shielded from questions regarding the job of England head coach, while his director of cricket at Yorkshire, Martyn Moxon, has admitted that the rumours linking the Australian with the role are in danger of becoming a permanent distraction to England's champion county.

The Guardian - Sport

"Even at 18, a mentally voracious young woman cannot live entirely upon scenery," she wrote, adding that she would have been in danger of "dying of spontaneous combustion" had she not had her diary to write and an interesting curate in a nearby village.

The Guardian - Film

But Apfel has seized the imagination not as a couture fashion plate but as an example to a free-spirited, adventurous New York mindset that, these days, seems in danger of getting lost beneath the anodyne beauty of a Manhattan aesthetic that worships cosmetic dentistry and blow-drying above individuality or creativity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"At that point," the Tory source said, "Labour were very good at capturing the unionist vote, and we couldn't be characterised as the party that wanted to put the union in danger – it would have angered our people.

The Guardian

The former prime minister had managed to fire up natural Labour voters, after a month in which it seemed the key theme of the no camp – the danger posed by independence – had been seized by the yes side, as Salmond hammered on the risks to the NHS if Scotland remained in the UK.

The Guardian

Either outcome would afford terrorists an ideal sanctuary, a greater danger than Awlaki even at his most malign, especially for the pro-western monarchies elsewhere on the Arabian Peninsula.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "danger", be specific about the source and nature of the potential harm. For example, instead of saying "There is danger", specify "There is a danger of falling rocks".

Common error

Avoid using "danger" in overly broad or vague statements. Always provide context or clarify the source of potential harm to make your writing more informative and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The word "danger" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the possibility of suffering harm or injury. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts indicating potential threats or risks. As stated by Ludwig AI, it signifies a possible or real threat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Film

5%

Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "danger" functions primarily as a noun, denoting potential harm or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and signifies a real or possible threat. Its usage spans diverse contexts, but is particularly prevalent in news and media, sports, and opinion pieces. Related terms include "risk", "peril", and "hazard", each carrying slightly different connotations. A key writing tip is to avoid vague statements and always specify the source of potential harm. Given its frequent use, understanding the nuances of "danger" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk

This term is a direct synonym, focusing on the possibility of encountering harm or loss.

peril

This word suggests a more immediate and serious threat than "danger".

hazard

This term often refers to a specific source of potential harm or "danger".

threat

This word indicates a source that could potentially cause harm or "danger".

menace

This phrase implies a looming and potentially destructive "danger".

jeopardy

This term is more formal and suggests a situation where something is at risk of being lost or harmed.

vulnerability

Highlights the state of being exposed to potential harm, a component of "danger".

precariousness

Emphasizes the unstable and risky nature of a situation, implying potential "danger".

exposure

This highlights the state of being unprotected or susceptible to harm or "danger".

liability

This term emphasizes potential legal or financial repercussions, related to the "danger" of certain actions.

FAQs

How can I use "danger" in a sentence?

You can use "danger" to describe a potential source of harm or risk, as in "There is a "danger of flooding"" or "He was in "mortal danger"".

What are some synonyms for "danger"?

Alternatives for "danger" include "risk", "peril", "hazard", and "threat", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "dangerous" or "in danger"?

"Dangerous" describes something that poses a threat, while "in danger" describes someone or something at risk. For example, "The road is dangerous" versus "The driver is in danger".

What's the difference between "risk" and "danger"?

"Risk" refers to the possibility of something bad happening, whereas "danger" refers to something that can cause harm. "Risk" is often used in calculated assessments, while "danger" can imply a more immediate or obvious threat.