in serious danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in serious danger" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is at significant risk or threat. Example: "The hikers were lost in the mountains and were in serious danger as night fell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was in serious danger here.

The New Yorker

Now we were in serious danger.

The New York Times

We were in serious danger.

The New York Times

"I was in serious danger," she replied.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We're in serious danger of falling off a cliff".

The New York Times

"I was in serious danger of catching stupid".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Don't ask.This mood of self-criticism is in serious danger of turning into self-flagellation.

The Economist

Bloomberg is in serious danger of turning me into an ardent Bill Thompson supporter.

The New Yorker

We're in serious danger of becoming a democracy in name only.

The New York Times

Many economists fear that the Chinese economy is in serious danger of overheating.

The Economist

But without a steady supply of new recruits, Operation Impact could be in serious danger.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in serious danger", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific threat or risk is present. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in serious danger" without specifying the source or nature of the danger. For example, instead of saying "The project is in serious danger", specify: "The project is in serious danger of being defunded due to budget cuts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in serious danger" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate a state of significant risk or peril. Ludwig AI confirms this is a common and grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in serious danger" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound expression used to convey that someone or something faces a significant threat. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, from formal reports to everyday conversations, with the key being clarity in specifying the source and nature of the danger. While alternatives like "in grave danger" or "at great risk" exist, "in serious danger" remains a versatile and effective choice for expressing concern and highlighting potential negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in grave danger

Emphasizes a higher level of threat or peril compared to "serious".

facing imminent danger

Highlights the nearness and certainty of the danger.

at great risk

Highlights the presence of a significant probability of harm or loss.

in critical condition

Specifically refers to a state of health where there is a high risk of death or severe complications.

in jeopardy

Implies that something valuable or important is at risk of being lost or damaged.

in a precarious situation

Suggests instability and uncertainty, where negative outcomes are likely.

under threat

Focuses on the presence of a direct threat or potential harm from an external source.

on the brink

Suggests being very close to a negative outcome or disaster.

in harm's way

Indicates being in a location or situation where danger is likely to occur.

in dire straits

Conveys a sense of extreme hardship and difficulty, often involving a lack of resources or support.

FAQs

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

You can use "in serious danger" to describe situations where someone or something faces significant risk or harm. For instance: "The hikers were "in serious danger" as the storm approached", or "The company is "in serious danger" of bankruptcy".

What are some alternatives to "in serious danger"?

Alternatives include "in grave danger", "at great risk", or "in jeopardy". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in seriously danger"?

No, the correct phrase is "in serious danger". The word "serious" is an adjective describing the noun "danger", so the adverb "seriously" is not appropriate here.

What's the difference between "in serious danger" and "in mortal danger"?

"In serious danger" indicates a significant risk of harm or loss, while "in mortal danger" implies an immediate threat to life. "In mortal danger" suggests a more critical and life-threatening situation.