looming peril

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looming peril" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an imminent or approaching danger or threat that is becoming increasingly apparent. Example: "As the storm clouds gathered on the horizon, the villagers felt a sense of looming peril that they could not ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But who, in reality, spotted such looming peril?

The Guardian - Books

And he argues that, even without the warning system, there should have been time enough to alert people of the looming peril by television and loudspeaker.

The Economist

If they faced up to the looming peril, he wanted to tell his friend, hostilities might be averted and peaceful reunion might yet be achieved.

The New York Times

There are dozens if not hundreds of diaries written by women during the Second World War (Anne Frank's is the most famous), many of them proof that solitude and looming peril have often fuelled the urge to keep a diary.

The New Yorker

The rhetoric of looming peril used in the president's State of the Union address on Tuesday night stunned many in Washington, by dramatically broadening the scope of the "Bush doctrine", which is aimed at punishing sponsors of terrorism, as well as terrorists themselves.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His last language column, in the November/December 2007 issue of the journalism review, warned of the looming perils of "thusly".

The New York Times

If these actors have some time on their hands, they could do us a favor by going over the other basics of citizen participation and breaking down the latest political conflicts into charming bits of vaudeville: picture Toby and Josh discussing the ins and outs of sequestration or the looming perils of "taxmaggedon".

The New Yorker

We have a lot of challenges to deal with, from renewing the struggling middle class to facing up to the looming perils of climate change.

Los Angeles Times

Castaneda tells how Carlos Salinas annihilated an opponent who made the mistake of being candid with President de la Madrid about looming economic perils, which did in fact materialize after Salinas became the candidate.

The New York Times - Books

With the single market in peril and depression looming, Mrs Merkel would come under huge pressure to pay whatever it takes to save the rest of the euro zone.

The Economist

Christie's proposed budget could be thrown into turmoil by the end of the week – to the peril of the state's property holders – if President Barack Obama and Congress fail to strike a deal on looming federal budget cuts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looming peril" to create a sense of suspense or urgency in your writing. It is particularly effective when describing situations where the danger is not yet fully realized but is becoming increasingly apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "looming peril" in contexts that are already highly dramatic or sensationalized. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Opt for more subtle language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looming peril" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to highlight an impending threat or danger. As Ludwig AI shows, it often appears in contexts where the speaker or writer aims to emphasize the significance and imminence of a negative event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looming peril" is a descriptive term used to convey a sense of impending danger or threat. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. The phrase aims to highlight the significance and imminence of a negative event, often prompting a call to action. While not overly formal, it is best suited for analytical writing and serious discussions. Related phrases like "impending danger" and "approaching threat" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "looming peril", it's best to reserve it for situations where the danger is becoming increasingly apparent to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impending danger

Replaces "looming" with "impending", emphasizing the closeness and inevitability of the danger.

approaching threat

Substitutes "peril" with "threat", focusing on the source of danger rather than the danger itself. Replaces "looming" with "approaching" describing the threat getting closer.

imminent danger

Replaces "looming" with "imminent", stressing the immediate nature of the danger.

impending doom

Replaces "peril" with "doom", indicating a more severe and inevitable negative outcome.

oncoming disaster

Uses "oncoming" to highlight the approach of a disaster, replacing both "looming" and "peril".

gathering storm

Uses a metaphor to describe the situation, implying a build-up of negative circumstances.

brewing crisis

Similar to "gathering storm", this suggests a crisis is developing and about to erupt.

developing threat

Emphasizes the gradual development of the threat, which might not be immediately apparent.

shadow of uncertainty

Emphasizes the uncertainty and fear associated with a developing situation, using a metaphorical expression.

gathering clouds

Uses another metaphorical expression to convey a sense of impending trouble or negativity.

FAQs

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

You can use "looming peril" to describe a threat or danger that is approaching and becoming increasingly apparent. For example, "The "looming peril" of climate change requires immediate action."

What are some alternatives to "looming peril"?

Alternatives to "looming peril" include "impending danger", "approaching threat", or "imminent danger". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "looming peril" a formal or informal expression?

"Looming peril" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for news reports, analytical writing, and more serious discussions. It would not be common in everyday conversation.

What does "looming" mean in the context of "looming peril"?

In the context of "looming peril", "looming" means that something is appearing large and threatening, and is about to happen or cause problems. It emphasizes the sense of something significant and dangerous approaching.