in danger

USAGE SUMMARY

"in danger" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is at risk of harm or destruction. For example: "The hikers were in danger of getting lost in the dense forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's in danger.

The New Yorker

Was I in danger?

The New York Times

"Both are in danger".

The New York Times

He wasn't in danger.

The New York Times

"Sport is in danger.

Independent

My life is in danger".

The New Yorker

"The euro is in danger.

The New York Times

"But it's obviously in danger".

The Guardian

That's in danger right now".

The Economist

Dietzel's job seemed in danger.

The New York Times - Sports

Others are actually in danger.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in danger", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is threatened (e.g., "The species is in danger of extinction").

Common error

While "endangered" can sometimes replace "in danger", it typically refers specifically to species threatened with extinction. Using "endangered" in other contexts may be inaccurate (e.g., saying "The hiker was endangered" instead of "The hiker was in danger").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in danger" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of risk or potential harm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical use. For instance, "My life is in danger" exemplifies this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science & Research

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in danger" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone or something is at risk of harm. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to describe various situations, from personal safety to environmental threats. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in formal business contexts and wiki articles. For alternative expressions, consider using "at risk", "under threat", or "in peril", but be mindful of the specific nuances each conveys. When writing, ensure the context specifies what is threatened, and avoid misusing "endangered" as a general substitute. With its frequent usage and clear meaning, "in danger" remains a valuable and effective phrase in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at risk

This alternative is shorter and more concise, using "at" instead of "in" to describe the state of being exposed to harm.

under threat

This alternative emphasizes the presence of a specific threat or danger, rather than a general state of risk.

in peril

This is a more formal and literary synonym, suggesting a high degree of risk or danger.

in jeopardy

This alternative implies that something valuable or important is at risk of being lost or damaged.

exposed to risk

This alternative is more descriptive, highlighting the act of being exposed to potential harm.

vulnerable

This single word emphasizes the weakness and susceptibility to harm.

precarious

This alternative highlights the instability and uncertainty of the situation.

unsafe

This term simply states the lack of safety, directly indicating the presence of danger.

at stake

This phrase emphasizes what could be lost or damaged in a dangerous situation.

in harm's way

This alternative emphasizes the location or path of danger, implying a need to avoid it.

FAQs

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

Use "in danger" to describe situations where someone or something is at risk of harm or destruction. For example, "The historical artifacts are "in danger of" being lost forever".

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

While both phrases indicate potential harm, "in danger" often implies a more immediate and severe threat. "At risk" suggests a possibility of danger, while "in danger" suggests that the threat is already present.

What can I say instead of "in danger"?

You can use alternatives such as "at risk", "under threat", or "in peril" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say something is "in danger of" happening?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "in danger of" is commonly used to express the possibility of an undesirable outcome. For example, "The project is "in danger of" failing if we don't secure more funding".