dangerously close

USAGE SUMMARY

'dangerously close' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express an imminent danger or a very close proximity to a risky situation, for example, "We had to turn back because we were getting dangerously close to the edge of the cliff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The dangerous chemicals dangerously close to our most delicate areas.

Independent

Cows grazed dangerously close by.

The New York Times - Travel

We're dangerously close as it is".

The New York Times

The world is dangerously close to disaster.

The Economist

It's dangerously close to perfect.

The Guardian - Film

"UN negotiations are dangerously close to deadlock".

The Guardian

Our event was getting dangerously close.

The Guardian

This would be cutting things dangerously close.

The New York Times

"I got dangerously close to the character.

The Guardian - Film

We're dangerously close to finding out.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's dangerously close to it," said Clarke.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dangerously close" to highlight situations where the proximity to a negative outcome is a key concern. For example, "The company's debt levels are now dangerously close to triggering a downgrade."

Common error

Avoid using "dangerously close" in situations that are already clearly dramatic or exaggerated. Overuse can diminish its impact and make writing sound hyperbolic. For example, rather than saying "The rollercoaster was dangerously close to crashing," opt for a more precise description of the specific risks or mechanical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dangerously close" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the degree to which something approaches a potentially harmful or undesirable state. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage, and examples show it modifying various situations, from financial risks to physical proximities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dangerously close" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations nearing a risky or undesirable outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial modifier, serving to warn or alert about potential harm. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it frequently appears in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Related phrases include "alarmingly near" and "perilously near", all conveying a sense of impending risk. A key best practice is to use "dangerously close" to highlight potential negative outcomes, but to avoid overuse in already dramatic contexts, to prevent diluting the phrase’s impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alarmingly near

Emphasizes the concerning nature of the nearness.

perilously near

Highlights the potential danger involved.

precariously close

Suggests instability or uncertainty in the nearness.

on the verge of

Indicates being at the point of experiencing something.

on the brink of

Similar to "on the verge of", but often implies a more critical situation.

nearing the point of

Describes the act of approaching a specific threshold or limit.

approaching rapidly

Focuses on the speed and imminence of reaching a point.

inching towards

Suggests a slow, gradual movement toward a particular state.

drawing near

A more formal way of saying approaching.

bordering on

Suggests something is close to being something else, often negative.

FAQs

How can I use "dangerously close" in a sentence?

You can use "dangerously close" to describe situations where something is nearing a risky or undesirable outcome. For example, "The patient's blood pressure was "dangerously close" to a critical level" or "The negotiations are "dangerously close" to collapse".

What's the difference between "dangerously close" and "very close"?

"Dangerously close" implies a threat or potential harm associated with the proximity, while "very close" simply indicates nearness without necessarily suggesting danger. For example, "They live very close to the park" doesn't suggest any risk, whereas "The fire was "dangerously close" to the forest" implies a significant risk of the forest catching fire.

What can I say instead of "dangerously close" to sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives to "dangerously close", consider using phrases like "alarmingly near", "perilously near", or "precariously close". These options maintain the sense of risk while employing a more elevated vocabulary.

Is it always negative when something is described as "dangerously close"?

Yes, the phrase "dangerously close" almost always carries a negative connotation, implying that the proximity is undesirable and poses a potential threat or risk. Although less common, it is possible to use it in a neutral context if one is implying a positive result is nearing. In the same sense, it may still carry a negative connation given the word "dangerously".