a grave menace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave menace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious threat or danger in various contexts, such as environmental issues, crime, or public health. Example: "The rise in cybercrime has become a grave menace to national security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Interment of the Dead A situation has arisen in connection with the interment of the dead which, it is stated, is a grave menace to the public health.

The Guardian

Human rights activists and conservationists warn that "poaching and its potential linkages to other criminal, even terrorist, activities constitute a grave menace to sustainable peace and security in Central Africa".

Independent

The argument also ran as follows: "If you prosecute gangsters for killing one another, they may stop killing one another; this would interfere with nature's method of keeping down their numbers and they might grow to such a multitude as to become a grave menace to the rest of the population".

The New Yorker

LELYSTAD, the Netherlands — Entrusted with ensuring that the central Netherlands never suffers a calamity like the one visited on New York by Hurricane Sandy, Willem van Dijk, guardian of the dikes in Flevoland, a Dutch province that is more than 12 feet below sea level, sends out 11 men each morning to combat a grave menace to the world's most advanced network of storm defenses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"To invade those kinds of communications of journalists is itself a pretty grave menace to the newsgathering process".

Huffington Post

For Israel, the grave menace right now is the growing influence in the region of Iran, which has threatened to destroy Israel, and is clearly pursuing the makings and know-how for nuclear weapons.

Forbes

For years he insisted that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weaponry promised grave menace.

Huffington Post

Was Trayvon Martin a life-threatening menace?

The Economist

Terrorism remains a grave and constant threat.

The New Yorker

This is a grave error.

Forbes

This is a grave matter".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a grave menace", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the threat is and why it is considered grave. Provide specific details or examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave menace" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound unnatural or exaggerated in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a serious problem" or "a big threat" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave menace" functions as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It denotes something posing a serious threat. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from news and media, illustrating its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a grave menace" is a valid and impactful way to describe something posing a significant threat or danger. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that this phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media contexts to emphasize the seriousness of a situation. While it is more formal, alternatives like "a serious threat" or "a significant danger" may be more suitable for informal settings. Remember to use "a grave menace" when you want to highlight the potential consequences of a particular threat and create a strong impression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious threat

Focuses on the severity of the danger, using a more direct and common term.

a significant danger

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the danger.

a dire threat

Highlights the urgency and potential for disastrous consequences.

a perilous hazard

Stresses the risk and potential harm involved.

a critical danger

Indicates that the danger is at a crucial stage and requires immediate attention.

a looming threat

Suggests that the threat is approaching and imminent.

a major peril

Highlights the significant scale and potential for harm.

a substantial risk

Focuses on the measurable probability of negative outcomes.

a worrying trend

Indicates a concerning development that could lead to serious problems.

a pressing concern

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of addressing the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "a grave menace" in a sentence?

The phrase "a grave menace" is used to describe something that poses a serious threat or danger. For example: "The spread of misinformation online is "a grave menace" to democracy."

What are some alternatives to "a grave menace"?

Some alternatives include "a serious threat", "a significant danger", or "a dire threat", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "a grave menace" suitable for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a grave menace" is generally more appropriate for formal writing or serious discussions due to its strong and somewhat dramatic tone. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives.

What makes something qualify as "a grave menace"?

For something to be considered "a grave menace", it must present a substantial and imminent threat of harm, whether physical, societal, or otherwise. The potential consequences should be severe and far-reaching.