lurk

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lurk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is present but generally unnoticed or not overtly visible. Example sentence: She noticed a dark figure lurking in the shadows of the abandoned warehouse.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bewildered secret service agent Matt Dillon wakes up bloodied and bruised in a small town in Idaho, where the requisite secrets lurk just beneath the picture-perfect surface.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The bathroom - attired in Farrow & Ball's Rectory Red - has a white slipper bath in the centre of the room and a 17-inch digital TV to watch while you lurk in the suds.

The Guardian - Travel

They're the ones who lurk on the internet, convinced of their own infallibility, desperate to prove to the world that they suffer more and work harder and know better than every other parent combined.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But when the world's power players left the county after the 2013 G8 summit, the dark divisions that lurk underneath the bucolic surface of the Lakeland county – the islands dotted around Lough Erne, the old-fashioned market towns – remained.

The Guardian

You will always contribute better, learn more, embarrass yourself less if you lurk for a while, if you watch which arguments play out and how and by whom.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the very early days of the internet, it was sometimes considered rude to "lurk" – to listen but not participate – on bulletin board systems (BBSs).

The Guardian - Opinion

But behind the net curtains of that lonely single window will lurk a more dingy room.

The Guardian - Arts

Let us harness Google Street View to name and shame all manner of urban fails, in whichever city they lurk.

The Guardian

Truths are there, but they tend to lurk implacably behind formulations and talking points.

The Guardian

Team Obama insists that virtuous circles lurk behind every corner, removing the need for painful trade-offs.

The Economist

EVER since the dawn of the internet age, China's government has fretted over dangers that may lurk in the chaotic and unruly realm of cyberspace.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lurk" to vividly describe something hidden yet present, especially when it carries a sense of anticipation, threat, or mystery.

Common error

Avoid using "lurk" when a more direct or visible action is intended. "Lurk" implies a degree of concealment or stealth, so ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lurk" is as a verb, describing the action of remaining hidden or concealed, often with the intention of ambushing or observing. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of "lurk" in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "lurk" effectively describes the act of remaining hidden, often with a sense of anticipation or potential threat. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term, frequently found in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its use can add a layer of suspense or mystery to writing. Remember to use "lurk" when you want to express a concealed presence or a hidden danger, but avoid it when a more direct or visible action is intended. It is commonly used with the meaning of waiting in a hidden location for an opportunity to act. Considering these nuances will help you use "lurk" effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lie in wait

Emphasizes the act of waiting in a hidden place, ready to ambush or attack. Suggests a more active and potentially aggressive form of concealment.

remain hidden

Focuses on the state of being concealed, without necessarily implying a purpose or intent, it is more about location.

wait in the shadows

Suggests a sense of mystery and foreboding, often implying a negative or threatening presence.

hang around

Implies a casual presence, often without a specific purpose, that can be unnoticed or at least not considered a threat.

skulk

Indicates moving stealthily or furtively, often with a negative connotation of suspicion or guilt. The movement is more important than the location.

loiter

Suggests standing or waiting around without a clear purpose, sometimes implying a potential for trouble or mischief.

remain unnoticed

Highlights the state of not being detected or observed. Focuses on how other see, or not see, the subject.

stay out of sight

Prioritizes the act of avoiding being seen, often to evade detection or observation.

haunt

Suggests a persistent and often unsettling presence, typically associated with ghosts or spirits. Focuses on the feelings that produces to others.

underlie

Indicates a hidden or underlying cause, motive, or condition that is not immediately apparent. Changes the location of the hidden entity.

FAQs

How can I use "lurk" in a sentence?

You can use "lurk" to describe someone or something that is hidden or waiting in a concealed location, like "Dangers "lie in wait" in any attempt to renegotiate that system."

What are some alternatives to using "lurk"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""lie in wait"", "remain hidden", or "wait in the shadows".

Is it correct to say something "lurks beneath the surface"?

Yes, it's a common and correct usage. It implies that something is hidden or not immediately apparent, but is present and potentially significant, something like "Yet, beneath the calm veneer remain hidden several irritating and potentially destructive tensions."

What's the difference between "lurk" and "hide"?

"Hide" generally means to conceal oneself or something. "Lurk" implies a more specific kind of hiding—often with the intention to ambush, observe secretly, or simply remain unnoticed. For example, "His footsoldiers "lie in wait" in the bush, strike without warning."