a bigger threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bigger threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the severity or danger of one threat to another, indicating that the first is more significant. Example: "The recent cyber attacks pose a bigger threat to national security than previously anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Europe poses a bigger threat.

The Economist

Mr. Loeb, however, presents a bigger threat.

The New York Times

For Arnold, politically, Hummers are a bigger threat than hummers.

The New Yorker

For Lilly, lawsuits and flaws may pose a bigger threat.

The Economist

Deflation is now a bigger threat than inflation.

The Economist

A bigger threat would be any Royal Mail strike.

The Guardian - Money

Car parks are a bigger threat than war.

The Guardian - Music

But the Soviet Union posed a bigger threat, he said.

The New York Times

And people do see immigrants as a bigger threat now".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is a big threat.

The New York Times

A big threat is their counterattacking game.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing threats, be specific about what makes the "bigger threat" more significant. Provide context to highlight the increased danger or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a bigger threat" without substantiating the claim. Ensure you provide clear reasons or data to support why one threat is considered more significant than another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bigger threat" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun (implied or stated) to indicate a greater level of danger or risk. Ludwig examples show it comparing various scenarios like economic factors, political situations, and even sports strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bigger threat" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to compare the severity of different dangers. As Ludwig AI explains, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure you provide clear context about what makes the threat "bigger" to enhance clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like ""a greater risk"" or ""a more significant threat"" to add nuance to your writing. The most frequent authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a greater threat

Synonymous; emphasizes the magnitude of the threat.

a more significant threat

Replaces "bigger" with "more significant" to highlight importance.

a larger threat

Interchangeable; uses "larger" to denote greater size or impact.

a more serious threat

Focuses on the gravity of the threat using "more serious".

a graver threat

Uses "graver" to convey a more severe or critical threat.

a higher risk

Shifts from "threat" to "risk" while maintaining the comparative aspect.

a more substantial threat

Emphasizes the real or concrete nature of the threat by using "substantial".

a more potent threat

Highlights the effectiveness or power of the threat.

a deadlier threat

Focuses on the potentially fatal consequences of the threat.

a looming menace

Replaces "threat" with "menace", suggesting an impending danger.

FAQs

How can I use "a bigger threat" in a sentence?

You can use "a bigger threat" to compare two or more potential dangers, emphasizing that one poses a greater risk or harm. For example, "Climate change is "a bigger threat" than short-term economic fluctuations."

What are some alternatives to saying "a bigger threat"?

Alternatives include "a greater risk", "a more serious danger", or "a more significant threat". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what the "bigger threat" is bigger than?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what the "bigger threat" is being compared to provides crucial context and clarity. Otherwise, the statement can be vague and less impactful.

What's the difference between "a bigger threat" and "a serious threat"?

"A serious threat" indicates a significant danger, whereas "a bigger threat" implies a comparative judgment. "A bigger threat" means that this threat is more dangerous than another, known or implied threat, which is not necessary in "a serious threat".