mortal peril

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mortal peril" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is in extreme danger or facing the possibility of death. Example: "The hero rushed into the burning building, fully aware that the trapped occupants were in mortal peril."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mortal peril!

The New York Times - Books

A mortal peril neutralised?

The Guardian

But looking through Ms. Ward's eyes, I immediately saw an obstacle course of mortal peril.

The New York Times

In Ghibli films, limbs get hacked off, mortal peril is never far away.

The Guardian - Film

So he truly thought himself in mortal peril, yet fought to beat Karpov as though his life depended on it?

Independent

Without shame, Mr. Rocque unabashedly supports his small minority of hunters at the mortal peril of the state's majority.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The alternative is pretty grim: a system that, when it comes to some fierce mortal perils, is leaving a lot of blood on the floor.

The New Yorker

Even more than Michigan, Ohio is home to a sizeable evangelical Protestant movement and also to many Catholics, two groups to whom Mr Santorum, with his firm views about such mortal perils as contraception and homosexuality, appeals.

The Economist

Beginning with the street protests in Iran after the disputed 2009 presidential elections and reaching its most recent form in Syria, the news has been shaped not only by the close observation of outsiders, seeking objectivity under an array of restrictions and sometimes mortal perils, but also by activists on the ground with a far more direct political agenda: regime change.

The New York Times

Upon returning to the French chateau of her childhood, a woman encounters new love and mortal danger. 2 3 4 P" IS FOR PERIL, by Sue Grafton.

The New York Times - Books

"He did a lot of good things, first and foremost by saving the magazine at a time of mortal financial peril".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mortal peril" to create a sense of dramatic tension in your writing. It effectively conveys the immediacy and severity of a life-threatening situation.

Common error

Avoid using "mortal peril" in situations that are not genuinely life-threatening. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Save it for truly dire circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mortal peril" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement to describe a situation of extreme danger. It indicates a state where life is at serious risk. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mortal peril" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes situations of extreme danger and risk to life. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, serving to evoke a sense of urgency and seriousness. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "life-threatening danger" or "grave danger" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

life-threatening danger

Focuses on the potential for death, emphasizing the immediate threat to life.

imminent death threat

Highlights the approaching nature of the danger and the direct threat of death.

grave danger

Emphasizes the seriousness and significance of the danger.

extreme hazard

Highlights the intensity and risk associated with the situation.

critical threat

Underscores the importance and severity of the threat.

lethal risk

Points out the potentially deadly consequences of the situation.

deadly hazard

Stresses the fatal nature of the dangerous situation.

perilous situation

Emphasizes the risky and hazardous nature of the circumstances.

precarious position

Focuses on the instability and uncertainty of the dangerous situation.

hazardous circumstances

Highlights the dangerous and risky conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "mortal peril" to describe situations where someone is facing a life-threatening danger. For example: "The explorers found themselves in "mortal peril" when they were trapped in the collapsing cave."

What are some alternatives to "mortal peril"?

You can use alternatives like "life-threatening danger", "grave danger", or "imminent death threat" depending on the specific context.

Is "mortal peril" formal or informal?

"Mortal peril" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in dramatic or serious situations, such as news reports, fiction, or historical accounts.

What's the difference between "mortal peril" and "mortal danger"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "mortal peril" often suggests a more immediate and pressing threat than "mortal danger". "Mortal peril" implies a situation where death is a distinct and imminent possibility.