looming danger

USAGE SUMMARY

"looming danger" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sense of potential or imminent danger that is likely to occur in the future. Example: The hikers were aware of the looming danger as they continued to climb the steep and treacherous mountain path.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Michael Vale's designs – muted colours, twisted trees – evoke wartime austerity, sepia-toned nostalgia and looming danger.

The Guardian

Demographic trends thus helped to implant in the German population a feeling of both momentary strength and looming danger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Montsho appeared oblivious, her back Sunday school straight, unaware of the looming danger, allowing Ohurougu to gobble her up.

The Guardian - Sport

In February 2009, The Daily Nation newspaper in Kenya reported on the looming danger of just such a pipeline explosion in the Sinai slum.

The New York Times

During the 1930s, Churchill frequently warned of the looming danger of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany, and criticized the government of Neville Chamberlain for being too weak.

The New York Times

Given the looming danger of obesity litigation and a backlash against marketing "unhealthy" food to children, returning supersized lumps of money to shareholders now could come to look farsighted.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

This outlines the looming dangers and possible miracles an artificial super-intelligence might create.

The Guardian - Music

In "Throttle" there are three looming dangers to Charlie's brood.

The New York Times

Instead he is using his whip-sharp oratory to warn the Wallabies of the looming dangers in Argentina's squad – particularly from his Toulon team-mate Juan Martín Hernández.

The Guardian - Sport

Considering that prostitutes always prosper during World Cups, you do not need to be a rocket scientist to detect the looming dangers.

The Guardian - Sport

"As she listened more intently to their conversations, though, she soon realized that it was the atomic scientists' urgency about the looming dangers of this new technology that was most compelling".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looming danger" to create a sense of suspense or urgency in your writing. For example, "Despite the looming danger, they pressed on."

Common error

Avoid using "looming danger" in situations that are only mildly risky or concerning. Save it for scenarios where there is a significant potential for harm or negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looming danger" functions as a noun phrase, where "looming" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "danger". As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys an approaching threat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looming danger" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a threat which is becoming increasingly apparent and imminent. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, followed by Science and Encyclopedias. Related phrases include "impending threat" and "imminent peril", offering subtle variations in meaning. While effective for creating a sense of urgency, writers should avoid overusing it in scenarios that don't warrant such strong language. The phrase serves to alert and warn, prompting awareness and potential action in response to a growing threat.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impending threat

Replaces "danger" with "threat", focusing on the source of the danger.

imminent peril

Uses "peril" to suggest a more serious and immediate danger.

approaching risk

Emphasizes the probability of something negative occurring.

brewing crisis

Suggests a situation that is developing and likely to become dangerous.

gathering storm

A metaphorical phrase indicating increasing trouble or danger.

oncoming menace

Highlights the threatening nature of the approaching danger.

shadowy threat

Emphasizes the hidden or unclear nature of the danger.

developing threat

Focuses on how the threat is actively growing or evolving.

rising concern

Downplays immediacy, highlights increased worry about a potential future threat.

impending doom

Implies a sense of inevitable and catastrophic danger.

FAQs

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

You can use "looming danger" to describe a situation where a threat or risk is becoming increasingly apparent and feels imminent. For example, "The "looming danger" of the approaching hurricane forced the evacuation of coastal residents".

What are some alternatives to "looming danger"?

Some alternatives to "looming danger" include "impending threat", "imminent peril", or "approaching risk", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "looming danger" and "imminent danger"?

"Looming danger" suggests that the danger is becoming increasingly apparent and is likely to occur in the future, while "imminent danger" implies that the danger is about to happen immediately. Therefore, "imminent danger" suggests a more pressing timeframe.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "looming danger"?

It's appropriate to use the phrase "looming danger" when you want to emphasize that a threat is not only present but also growing or becoming more likely to materialize. This phrase is well suited for describing situations where preventative action is still possible, but time is running out.