dangerously near

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dangerously near" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is very close to a dangerous or undesirable outcome. Example: "The storm is dangerously near, and we need to take shelter immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

And, in December 1955, "Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything it is because we are dangerously near to wanting nothing".

The New York Times - Books

By so insistently utilizing his signature unbroken takes -- including an astonishing long shot near the end, also involving a fire begun by the protagonist -- Tarkovsky steers "The Sacrifice" dangerously near to self-parody.

The New York Times - Arts

For instance, you might view sketches by one of the first architects to make the International Space Station habitable 45 years ago; find out what astronauts there did recently when remnants of a discarded Russian satellite came dangerously near; or read about what happens when the toilet breaks.

The New York Times

See articleForest fires swept across central Greece, dangerously near Athens, before being brought under control.

The Economist

("When we are dancing and you're dangerously near me/I get ideas" go the insinuating lyrics).

The New York Times - Arts

ISIS fighters remain embedded in many of the towns that encircle Baghdad and are dangerously near its international airport.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Time is running out for the African elephants, dangerously nearing closer and closer to extinction.

Huffington Post

After Mata surrendered the foul off a throw-in, the free kick was hit dangerously towards the near post, deflecting first off of Adnan Januzaj as the lone man in the wall, and next, calling Michael Carrick into action next to avert the danger.

Huffington Post

European inflation is also dangerously low, near zero percent, while U.S. inflation isn't far from the Fed's target of 2percentt.

Huffington Post

Hernández can sprint to the near post dangerously and is useful with his head if the delivery is right, but he depends upon pinpoint, driven crosses, whereas Evra tended to loft the ball into the centre.

The Guardian - Sport

Some of that cheap money may be being used by some banks to buy higher-yielding short-term debt, though Italy's longer-term borrowing rate in the markets remain at dangerously elevated levels near 7 percent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dangerously near" to create a sense of immediacy and potential risk, emphasizing the closeness to a negative outcome. For example, "The company's debt is now dangerously near unsustainable levels."

Common error

Avoid using "dangerously near" in situations where the risk is minimal or purely hypothetical. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. For example, saying "He was dangerously near being late" for a minor delay is an exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dangerously near" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective, indicating the degree to which something approaches a hazardous or undesirable state. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dangerously near" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies close proximity to a hazardous or undesirable state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific reporting. The phrase serves to alert and emphasize potential negative consequences. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in situations lacking genuine risk to prevent diminishing its impact. Alternatives like "perilously close" or "on the verge of" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perilously close

Emphasizes the imminent danger or risk involved.

alarmingly close

Highlights the cause for alarm or concern due to the proximity.

precariously close

Suggests a lack of stability and a high risk of crossing a threshold.

critically close

Indicates that the situation is approaching a critical or decisive point.

on the verge of

Implies being at the very edge of a significant or dangerous event.

bordering on

Suggests that something is almost reaching a particular negative state.

inches away from

Uses a more visual metaphor to describe the small distance remaining.

narrowly avoiding

Focuses on the act of barely preventing a negative outcome.

on the brink of

Highlights the precariousness and potential for imminent negative consequences.

treading a fine line

Suggests walking carefully to avoid crossing into a dangerous territory.

FAQs

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

Use "dangerously near" to indicate that something is very close to a potentially harmful or negative state. For instance, "The wildfire is "dangerously near" residential areas" or "The patient's condition is "dangerously near" critical".

What are some alternatives to "dangerously near"?

Alternatives include "perilously close", "alarmingly close", or "on the verge of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "dangerously nearing" instead of "dangerously near"?

While grammatically correct, "dangerously nearing" is less common. "Dangerously near" is generally preferred as it is more concise and widely accepted.

What is the difference between "dangerously near" and "almost at"?

"Dangerously near" implies a threat or risk associated with the proximity, whereas "almost at" simply indicates nearness without necessarily implying danger. For example, "The car was almost at the destination" versus "The car was "dangerously near" the edge of the cliff".