a double threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a double threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that poses two significant dangers or challenges, often in a competitive or adversarial context. Example: "The new competitor is a double threat, excelling in both technology and marketing strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Valentine is a double threat.

The New York Times - Sports

Hageman was a double threat, playing intercollegiate baseball and (briefly) heavyweight gymnastics while at Princeton.

Princeton University

The Obama administration plan, though, presents a double threat to the state.

The New York Times

You have more of a double threat when Kordell comes in.

The New York Times - Sports

The supranational network serves a supranational identity, creating a double threat to the state.

The New York Times - Arts

She was a double threat, recording five goals and five assists.

The Guardian - Sport

David Hale, the chief economist for Zurich Research, concluded earlier this week that Japan's problems posed a double threat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Heather Dunbar is a double-threat woman: not only is she bankrolled by the Dunbar armoured cars firm, but she also has a neat line in telling intolerable truth to power.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Siri job description isn't looking for anything too crazy in terms of qualification, but it does want a double-threat in terms of finding someone who is both comfortable and proficient in written English and character-driven dialog, as well as familiar and comfortable with software engineers and engineering tools.

TechCrunch

Besides being chairperson of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, the home-décor high-priestess is a double-threat on the vaunted Forbes lists: She placed No. 31 on the 1999 edition of the Forbes Celebrity 100, and stands at No. 381 among The Forbes Four Hundred Richest in America.

Forbes

Author Douglas Preston Becomes a Double-Threat: For the past month, Preston's Trial by Fury: Internet Savagery and the Amanda Knox Case has been one of the best-selling non-fiction e-book singles.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a double threat", ensure the context clearly identifies the two specific threats or capabilities being referenced. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a double threat" when more than two threats or capabilities are present. If there are multiple aspects, consider using phrases like "multifaceted threat" or "versatile performer" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a double threat" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something or someone possessing two significant capabilities or posing two distinct dangers, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a double threat" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe entities possessing two significant strengths or posing two distinct dangers. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When employing "a double threat", ensure clarity by specifying the two key attributes. Alternatives such as "a dual threat" or "a two-pronged attack" can offer nuanced variations. Be mindful not to overgeneralize its usage beyond scenarios involving precisely two aspects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dual capability

Focuses on possessing two distinct abilities.

a two-pronged attack

Emphasizes a strategy involving two simultaneous actions.

a multifaceted danger

Highlights the complex and varied nature of a threat.

a twofold menace

Stresses the dual nature of a harmful entity.

a complex challenge

Highlights the intricate nature of a problem, implying multiple components.

a combined risk

Indicates the presence of multiple risks acting together.

a multi-skilled individual

Refers to a person with a wide range of abilities.

a versatile player

Focuses on adaptability and proficiency in different roles.

a multi-talented performer

Highlights a person's diverse artistic or performance skills.

a double-edged sword

Refers to something that can have both positive and negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a double threat" to describe someone or something that poses two significant dangers or possesses two notable strengths. For example, "The hurricane is "a double threat", bringing both high winds and flooding rains."

What's a similar phrase to "a double threat"?

Alternatives include "a dual threat", which emphasizes two specific capabilities, or "a two-pronged attack", which highlights a strategy with two simultaneous actions.

Is it correct to use "a double threat" in formal writing?

Yes, "a double threat" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by its usage in news articles, academic papers, and other professional communications.

What does it mean when someone is described as "a double threat"?

It typically means they possess two distinct skills or qualities that make them particularly formidable or effective in a given situation. For instance, a basketball player who can both score and defend well might be called "a double threat".