surrounded by danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surrounded by danger" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something is in a perilous or threatening environment. Example: "The explorers found themselves surrounded by danger as they navigated through the treacherous jungle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I knew my father was surrounded by danger," said Hiba, wearing a black veil and a black leather jacket, a product of two worlds.

The New York Times

Burn the Curtain's adaptation of Angela Carter's The Company of Wolves immerses audiences in "an edgeland where you feel surrounded by danger all the time".

The Guardian

In our financial lives as investment first-responders (advisors and planners) or as clients–it's a challenge to keep our wits about us when we're surrounded by danger and hysteria.

Forbes

I feel like I'm surrounded by danger, and I feel, too, like if I just keep moving, I'll be fine.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In the second and third personal interventions in Paradise Lost, he talks of how he has fallen on "evil days" and "evil tongues" and is surrounded by dangers, but in spite of this is able to receive his "celestial patroness" or, as he called her, his Christian muse, Urania.

The Guardian - Books

Everyone lived surrounded by uncontrollable danger.

BBC

And so, even when a "non combat" troop may supposedly be among friends, he is still potentially surrounded by fatal danger.

Huffington Post

I must be head down, surrounded by invisible dangers.

Huffington Post

He lives surrounded by enemies, shadowed by danger, forever perched on the precipice.

The New Yorker

He grew up in their neighborhood, surrounded by the same dangers: drugs, crime and poverty.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a group of children who are eligible, 35 miles away, living in a muddy field surrounded by every kind of danger.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid redundancy by ensuring the surrounding context doesn't already imply danger. For instance, avoid phrases like "surrounded by obvious danger".

Common error

While appropriate for literal danger (e.g., war zones), avoid using "surrounded by danger" in overly metaphorical contexts where simpler phrases suffice. For example, instead of "surrounded by the danger of failure", consider "at risk of failing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surrounded by danger" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the environment or condition they are in. This construction is used to add descriptive detail about the presence of peril. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surrounded by danger" effectively conveys a state of peril and threat. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and primarily appears in news and media contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it serves to highlight situations where risks and potential harm are prominent. To ensure accurate and impactful writing, consider specifying the source of the danger and avoiding overuse in overly metaphorical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in harm's way

General term for being in a place where danger is present.

in a threatening environment

Emphasizes the dangerous nature of the surrounding area.

in a perilous situation

Focuses on the state of being in danger, rather than the environment.

facing imminent threats

Highlights the immediacy and nature of the dangers.

confronting grave perils

Highlights the seriousness and magnitude of the dangers faced.

beset by risks

Highlights the presence of multiple dangers.

under siege

Implies being enclosed by hostile forces.

living in a high-risk zone

Focuses on the continuous state of danger in a specific area.

navigating treacherous conditions

Highlights the active effort to move through dangerous circumstances.

existing in a precarious state

Emphasizes the instability and potential for harm.

FAQs

How can I use "surrounded by danger" in a sentence?

You can use "surrounded by danger" to describe a situation where someone or something is in a perilous or threatening environment. For example: "The soldiers were "surrounded by danger" during the ambush".

What phrases are similar to "surrounded by danger"?

Similar phrases include "in harm's way", "in a perilous situation", or "facing imminent threats".

Is it appropriate to use "surrounded by danger" in formal writing?

Yes, "surrounded by danger" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious or critical situations. However, ensure the context aligns with the phrase's intensity.

What's the difference between "surrounded by danger" and "in danger"?

"Surrounded by danger" implies that danger is present on all sides, creating a sense of enclosure. "In danger" is a more general term, simply indicating that someone or something is at risk without specifying the source or extent of the threat.