endangering themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "endangering themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors that put individuals at risk or in danger. Example: "The hikers were warned about the severe weather conditions, but they continued their ascent, endangering themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It happens however that drivers proceed in the wrong direction, endangering themselves as well as other users.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Some gay men said that they stopped taking Truvada, potentially endangering themselves, simply to obtain insurance.

The New York Times - Health

If the U.S. salt warnings are correct, Americans are indeed endangering themselves on a massive scale.

The Washington Post

The kangaroos are endangering themselves as well as other native species and rare plants, they said.

The New York Times

Police officials defended their response at the time, saying demonstrators spilled into the street, endangering themselves and people in vehicles.

The New York Times

While I was watching it, it didn't appeal at all; it seemed revolting people should be endangering themselves and others.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

They endanger themselves.

The New Yorker

We allow artists to endanger us, perhaps, because they are even more likely to endanger themselves.

The Guardian - Arts

People who make unwise decisions about their own health endanger themselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well that backfired slightly, as some of those species are now endangered themselves.

Independent

People who endangered themselves to work for our military have been denied our protection.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potential dangers, be specific about the actions that constitute "endangering themselves". This adds clarity and impact to your message.

Common error

Don't use "endangering themselves" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, detail the exact actions or conditions leading to the risk. For example, instead of saying "they were endangering themselves", specify "they were endangering themselves by swimming in the contaminated water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "endangering themselves" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from traffic safety to health risks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "endangering themselves" is a versatile and commonly used gerund phrase that describes situations where individuals put themselves at risk of harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. It is most frequently found in news reports and scientific articles, but also appears in academic writing and general discussions. While writing, it is best to avoid vagueness by specifying the actions that are "endangering themselves". Consider alternatives such as "putting themselves at risk" or "jeopardizing their safety" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting themselves at risk

Focuses on the possibility of harm, emphasizing the potential negative consequences.

jeopardizing their safety

Highlights the compromise of safety, suggesting a deliberate action with known risks.

exposing themselves to danger

Emphasizes the act of revealing oneself to a threat, implying vulnerability.

compromising their well-being

Expands the scope to include physical and mental health, not just immediate danger.

placing themselves in harm's way

A more figurative expression, suggesting a conscious decision to enter a dangerous situation.

risking their lives

Focuses specifically on the potential for fatal consequences, indicating a high level of danger.

hazarding their necks

An informal expression, implying a gamble with potentially severe repercussions.

courting disaster

Suggests actively seeking out a negative outcome, often through reckless behavior.

tempting fate

Suggests challenging one's luck, potentially leading to unforeseen negative consequences.

walking into a trap

Implies unknowingly entering a dangerous situation, often set by others.

FAQs

What does "endangering themselves" mean?

The phrase "endangering themselves" means putting oneself in a situation where there is a risk of harm, injury, or death. It implies that someone is doing something that could potentially cause them danger.

What can I say instead of "endangering themselves"?

You can use alternatives like "putting themselves at risk", "jeopardizing their safety", or "compromising their well-being" depending on the specific context.

How is "endangering themselves" different from "risking their lives"?

"Endangering themselves" is a broader term that encompasses any situation where someone is exposed to potential harm. "Risking their lives" specifically refers to situations where there is a high probability of death.

Is it correct to use "endangering themselves" in formal writing?

Yes, "endangering themselves" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase suitable for both formal and informal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its meaning is clear and its usage common in various contexts.