Nearly dead vs Nearly died

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Nearly dead' is used to describe someone or something that is very close to death, while 'nearly died' is used to indicate that someone was close to dying but did not actually die.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1244 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe someone or something that is very close to death.

"Nearly dead"

This phrase is used to describe a person, animal, or plant that is very close to dying. It emphasizes the critical condition of the subject.

Examples:

The patient was nearly dead when they arrived at the hospital.
The flower looked nearly dead, but with some water, it revived.
The old tree was nearly dead, but it managed to survive the harsh winter.
The cat was nearly dead after being hit by a car.
The soldier was nearly dead after the battle.

Show examples from the web [+]

A few hours ago, you were nearly dead.
He came off duty and within minutes was nearly dead from a wound in his stomach, but there was no weapon.
The nearly dead and the newly bred have more in common with each other than with people in the middle.
whereas Jan Pronk has stated that the Darfur Peace Agreement 'is nearly dead',
whereas the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) remains the basis for stability, peace and reconciliation in Darfur, despite the statement by UN Special Representative Jan Pronk that the Darfur Peace Agreement 'is nearly dead',
The rosé tint suggests he was dead or nearly dead before his wrists were slit.
By the time the Crow Indians found me and cut me down... ...I was nearly dead.
whereas the DPA remains the basis for stability, peace and reconciliation in Darfur, despite the statement by UN Special Representative Jan Pronk that the Agreement is nearly dead,
whereas the DPA remains the basis for stability, peace and reconciliation in Darfur, despite the statement by UN Special Representative Jan Pronk that the Agreement 'is nearly dead',
The human weapon that left you nearly dead.
Last time they carried three carloads of nearly dead sheep.
I know it's nearly dead, but it still looks healthy to me.
I did think of killing the soldiers... but she's nearly dead already.
She'll come out nearly dead with fright, wearing whatever she had on.
Okay sir, this is your beauty pageant of the nearly dead.
I saw the living, dying, and the nearly dead
You saved me who was nearly dead from being hooked on drugs.
The monster then ran away... taking with him a boy of desperate character... as well as a garnet ring belonging to my nearly dead ma.
By the time the Crow Indians found me and cut me down... ...I was nearly dead.

Alternatives:

almost dead
close to death
on the brink of death
at death's door
on the verge of death

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that someone was close to dying but did not actually die.

"Nearly died"

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone was very close to dying but managed to survive. It emphasizes the near-death experience without the actual death occurring.

Examples:

He nearly died in the car accident, but he survived with minor injuries.
She nearly died from a severe allergic reaction, but the doctors were able to save her.
The hiker nearly died when he got lost in the mountains, but he was rescued in time.
The baby nearly died during childbirth, but the medical team acted quickly to save both mother and child.
The swimmer nearly died from drowning, but a lifeguard saved him.

Show examples from the web [+]

You nearly died saving my life.
Colonel, the man nearly died.
You did your part and you nearly died.
I heard you nearly died, Jackie.
Because of her, my friends nearly died.
Children nearly died because our government cannot be counted on.
From what I just saw, you nearly died.
His godmother nearly died that night in front of his eyes.
The man reinvented physics and nearly died in a rowboat escaping the Gestapo.
I nearly died of boredom - twice.
I nearly died from missing you, baby.
The thing is, gentlemen, I nearly died.
My son nearly died because he wants to be you.
You know, Celia very nearly died that day.
I nearly died in that car.
You nearly died as they brought you home.
Children nearly died because our government cannot be counted on.
I nearly died in Anne's flat.
He nearly died he was so happy.
I nearly died about six times in the last series.

Alternatives:

almost died
came close to death
was on the brink of death
was at death's door
was on the verge of death

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Nearly dead vs Nearly died

"Nearly dead"

"Nearly died"

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