lurking

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lurking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a person or creature who is waiting in a hidden or secret place in order to surprise or attack someone or something. For example, "The thief was lurking in the shadows, waiting to make a move".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the company's leading lines, Casillero del Diablo, takes its name from the tale, although it seems unlikely that a 19th-century mining magnate and prominent politician would really have spent his evenings lurking in dank corners wearing fancy dress.

The Guardian - Travel

These passions have always been there, lurking; what's new is the outright shamelessness of their display.

The Guardian

Lurking in the background is Brazilian giant Vale which is planning a $20bn investment to expand production by another 90m tonnes by 2018.

The Guardian - Business

Buy lots of grapefruit (they're a great way to start January mornings after 10 days of excess), while any leftover mint, coriander and beansprouts can all go into stir-fries or clear soups with garlic, ginger and other bits and pieces you have lurking in the fridge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Algeria, the top-ranked team in Africa, the only one of the Cup of Nations qualifiers to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, were the danger lurking in Pot 2 and Ghana the unlucky seeds.

The Guardian - Sport

For the DUP in particular the party should also recognise there is an inherent danger lurking in this new dispute for their partners in government.

The Guardian

Scratch the surface and lurking beneath there is still a soulful schoolboy daydreaming in double maths.

The Guardian - Music

For his new book, People of the Twenty-First Century, the photographer and conceptual artist spent 20 years lurking around shopping centres – initially in his native Netherlands, later in America and China.

The Guardian - Arts

Daly said: "My own view is that people respond more to the pounds and pence in their pockets than warnings by politicians of dangers lurking abroad".

The Guardian - Money

It was not a surprise, therefore, when Falkirk equalised, Carl Finnigan lurking just four yards from goal to turn Scott Arfield's low centre past Allan McGregor with the inside of his left foot.

The Guardian - Sport

When Singo brandished a broken glass at Cowin during an argument, the moment was captured by a paparazzo lurking around the Sydney restaurant zone popular with celebrities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lurking" to create a sense of suspense or anticipation, especially when describing a hidden threat or danger.

Common error

Avoid using "lurking" in situations where a neutral or positive connotation is intended. It often carries a negative implication of secrecy or malicious intent.

Linguistic Context

Lurking" primarily functions as a present participle, often used to describe an ongoing action of being hidden or waiting. It can also act as a gerund. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing potential threats or hidden dangers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Business

8%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As Ludwig AI confirms, the term "lurking" is correct and frequently employed, particularly in journalistic and opinion-based writing. Analysis reveals its function as a present participle, utilized to evoke suspense or unease, describing a state of being hidden or waiting, often with negative implications. While versatile, it is advisable to avoid in overly formal academic contexts or positive situations. Related terms like "hiding", "lying in wait", and "skulking" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Source analysis highlights authoritative usage in publications such as The Guardian and The Economist. When writing, leverage "lurking" to instill a sense of hidden danger, ensuring alignment with its prevalent negative undertones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lying in wait

Suggests waiting in ambush, often for an opportune moment to act.

skulking

Implies moving stealthily and secretively, often with a negative connotation.

ambushing

Describes the act of waiting in a hidden place to attack unexpectedly.

hiding

A general term for being out of sight, lacking the implication of malicious intent.

prowling

Suggests moving about restlessly and stealthily, often in search of something.

concealed

Emphasizes the state of being hidden from view, often implying intentionality.

shadowing

Following someone closely and secretly, often for surveillance.

watching secretly

Observing someone without their knowledge.

lingering

Staying in a place longer than necessary, often with no clear purpose.

loitering

Standing or waiting around without apparent purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "lurking" in a sentence?

You can use "lurking" to describe someone or something that is hidden and waiting, often with a negative connotation. For example, "Danger was lurking in the shadows".

What can I say instead of "lurking"?

You can use alternatives like "hiding", "lying in wait", or "skulking" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lurking in the shadows" or "hiding in the shadows"?

"Lurking in the shadows" implies a more sinister or secretive intent compared to the more general "hiding in the shadows".

What's the difference between "lurking" and "loitering"?

"Lurking" suggests a hidden or secretive presence, often with negative intentions, while "loitering" simply means standing or waiting around without a clear purpose.