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 • 1220 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

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

Nearly dead vs Nearly died

"Nearly dead"

"Nearly died"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text