a common threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a danger or risk that is shared by multiple parties or groups. Example: "Climate change is a common threat that affects all nations, requiring a united response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A common threat demands a common response.

The New York Times

In contrast, Iran and America don't face a common threat.

The New York Times

During the cold war, a common threat cemented Western alliances.

The New York Times

About 80 came to face a common threat.

The New York Times

To be sure, money laundering poses a common threat to the conventional banking system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common threat to vision.

Ophthalmology

Catholic and Protestant conservatives found a common threat: the destruction of the traditional family.

The New Yorker

"Now that we face a common threat we must work together," Mr. Holbrooke said.

The New York Times

There was a general sense of a common threat requiring a common response.

The New York Times

His aides stress that "al-Qaeda is a common threat to everyone".

The Economist

Software: New devices could protect Web sites from a common threat.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common threat", ensure that the context clearly identifies the parties sharing the threat and the nature of the threat itself. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a common threat" in overly broad contexts without specifying the nature of the threat or the affected parties. Vague statements can diminish the impact of your message and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common threat" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies something dangerous or harmful that affects multiple entities or individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common threat" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that identifies a shared danger or risk. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the threat and the entities it affects. Consider alternatives like "a shared threat" or "a mutual risk" to fine-tune your message. By avoiding overgeneralizations and providing specific context, you can effectively communicate the urgency and importance of addressing "a common threat".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared threat

Focuses on the shared nature of the threat, emphasizing that multiple parties are affected.

a mutual threat

Highlights the reciprocal aspect, suggesting the threat is common to all parties involved.

a collective threat

Emphasizes the need for a coordinated response, suggesting the threat requires group action.

a widespread danger

Highlights the broad scope of the danger, indicating it affects a large area or population.

a universal risk

Stresses the all-encompassing nature of the risk, implying it affects everyone.

a global challenge

Framing it as a challenge emphasizes the need to overcome an obstacle rather than just avoid danger.

a common peril

Replaces "threat" with "peril", which carries a stronger sense of immediate danger and severity.

a shared vulnerability

Shifts the focus to the underlying weakness that makes parties susceptible to the threat.

a unifying concern

Suggests the threat brings people together due to shared worry or anxiety.

a converging danger

Implies multiple risks merging into a single threat

FAQs

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

Use "a common threat" to describe a danger or risk shared by multiple entities. For instance, "Cybersecurity breaches are "a common threat" to businesses of all sizes".

What are some alternatives to "a common threat"?

You can use alternatives like "a shared threat", "a mutual risk", or "a collective challenge" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a common threat" or "a shared threat"?

Both "a common threat" and "a shared threat" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize. "Common" highlights prevalence, while "shared" emphasizes the distributed impact.

How does "a common threat" differ from "a common challenge"?

"A common threat" implies a danger or risk that needs to be avoided or mitigated. "A common challenge", on the other hand, suggests an obstacle or difficulty that needs to be overcome. While related, they frame the situation differently.