in the face of peril

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the face of peril" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that can be used to signify danger, and implies that someone is bravely enduring a difficult situation. For example, "John continued to work in the face of peril, never stopping regardless of the danger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

While Intermezzo rues the habits of marriage, Beethoven's Fidelio celebrates fidelity in the face of peril.

The Guardian - Music

Among her peers, Scarlett is considered something of a Kasparov – quick-witted, daring, stoic in the face of peril and, crucially for her sponsors, Acer, usually victorious.

The Guardian - Tech

The danger had been abstract until we saw this bodily proof of existence, and my husband and I led the children home, singing a round, all four of us holding hands, and we let the dog off the leash to circle us joyously, because, as small as she was, it was bred in her bones that in the face of peril she would sacrifice herself first.

The New Yorker

The Arthur Ashe Award is given to those "possessing strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost," according to ESPN.com.

HuffPost

On its website, ESPN.com defines winners of the Arthur Ashe Award as those "possessing strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost".

Huffington Post

But of course it is one thing to vow unity in the face of peril in order to create a republic ― and quite another to pledge common allegiance to a thug who is destroying it.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The more the face of promise presents itself, the more the face of peril fades.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

The public has always seen two faces of nuclear energy the face of immense promise and the face of peril.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

In the face of constant peril, Israel has prospered.

The New York Times

Neither country is militarily weak, but both are helpless in the face of nuclear peril.

The New Yorker

Even so, those cases can show the existing system's weakness in the face of obvious peril.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the face of peril" to convey a sense of bravery or resilience when describing someone's actions or state of mind during a threatening or dangerous situation. It adds a layer of dramatic intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "in the face of peril" when describing minor inconveniences or challenges; reserve it for situations involving genuine danger or significant risk to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the face of peril" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the circumstances under which an action is performed. It provides context by highlighting that the action occurs during a dangerous or threatening situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the face of peril" is a prepositional phrase used to describe actions taken when someone is confronting a dangerous situation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and typically conveys bravery or resilience. Its usage is more common in news, wiki and scientific contexts than in casual settings. When using the phrase, ensure the situation genuinely warrants a dramatic tone, reserving it for substantial risks rather than minor challenges. Alternatives include "despite the danger" or "amidst danger", depending on the nuance needed. The phrase is a good choice when you want to highlight courage, but be careful not to overuse it in inappropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite the danger

Highlights the continuation of action irrespective of the present danger.

in spite of the danger

Similar to "despite the danger", but may suggest a stronger sense of defiance.

confronting danger

Emphasizes the act of directly encountering and addressing the danger.

braving danger

Emphasizes the courage and fortitude demonstrated while facing danger.

defying danger

Highlights the bold resistance or disobedience in the face of imminent danger.

amidst danger

Focuses on the surrounding presence of danger rather than a direct confrontation.

when threatened by danger

Highlights the condition of being exposed to a possible danger or harm.

risking danger

Focuses on the act of taking risks that could result in harm or loss.

under dangerous circumstances

Shifts the focus to the hazardous conditions surrounding an event or action.

in a dangerous situation

Highlights the context of the action with specific reference to perilous circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "in the face of peril" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used to describe someone's actions or demeanor when they are facing a dangerous or threatening situation. For example, "The hero remained calm "in the face of peril", strategizing a plan to save the city."

What are some alternatives to using "in the face of peril"?

Alternatives include phrases like "despite the danger", "amidst danger", or "confronting danger", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in the face of peril" in formal writing?

Yes, "in the face of peril" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the context warrants such a dramatic phrase. It is best suited for scenarios involving genuine danger or significant risk.

What is the difference between ""in the face of peril"" and "in the face of adversity"?

"In the face of peril" refers specifically to situations involving danger or threat, while "in the face of adversity" is broader and encompasses any challenging or difficult situation, not necessarily dangerous.