a high threat

USAGE SUMMARY

"a high threat" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a potentially harmful situation that is expected to do a great amount of harm. For example, "The security team identified a high threat of an attack from the foreign power."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

There is a high threat from crime".

Independent

It's not a high threat.

The Guardian

"There is a high threat from terrorism.

The Guardian

"There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnap".

Independent

"There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Yemen.

The Guardian

"There is a high threat from terrorism in Tunisia.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"He's pushing this because he thinks we're in a high-threat environment," the senior aide said.

The Washington Post

When faced with a high-threat raptor perched nearby, the birds not only call more frequently, they also attach more dee's to their call.

The New York Times - Science

But in the safe, artificial aftermath, in his sweat-soaked fatigues, he also considered the future in a high-threat post.

The Washington Post

To become a high-threat operator, qualified to neutralise a bomb for forensics, can take eight to 10 years and regularly only four of the 12 candidates on each course will pass.

Independent

"There has to be a realization that we are a high-threat environment now".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a high threat", clearly specify the source or nature of the threat to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "a high threat of terrorism" or "a high threat to data security".

Common error

Avoid using "a high threat" without context, as it can be vague. Instead of saying "There is a high threat", specify what is being threatened and by what, such as "There is a high threat of cyberattacks targeting financial institutions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high threat" functions as a noun phrase, where "high" modifies the noun "threat". It's used to identify a situation or entity that poses a significant danger or risk as Ludwig AI confirms. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

40%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a high threat" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation with significant potential danger. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to identify a situation or entity posing considerable risk. This phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific publications. When using "a high threat", it's crucial to provide context to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "significant danger" or "serious risk" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. Be mindful of overgeneralization and always specify the source and target of the threat, as suggested by the examples available through Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant danger

Replaces "threat" with "danger" and "high" with "significant", indicating a notable level of peril.

a serious risk

Substitutes "threat" with "risk" and "high" with "serious", denoting a grave possibility of harm.

a considerable hazard

Changes "threat" to "hazard" and "high" to "considerable", suggesting a substantial source of potential harm.

a grave peril

Replaces "high threat" with "grave peril", heightening the sense of immediate danger.

a looming danger

Emphasizes the impending nature of the threat.

a substantial menace

Uses the word "menace" to convey a sense of active threat and ill intent.

an elevated risk

Focuses on a quantitative increase in the level of risk.

a major source of concern

Shifts the focus to the emotional impact of the threat, emphasizing worry.

a critical vulnerability

Highlights the weakness or susceptibility that the threat exploits.

a heightened state of alert

Shifts focus from the threat itself to the response it elicits.

FAQs

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

You can use "a high threat" to describe situations with significant potential danger, such as "There is "a high threat of terrorism" in the region" or "The company faces "a high threat of cyberattacks"".

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

Some alternatives include "a significant danger", "a serious risk", or "a considerable hazard". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "high threat" or "serious threat"?

Both "high threat" and "serious threat" are acceptable, but they can imply slightly different things. "High threat" suggests a greater likelihood or imminence of the threat, while "serious threat" emphasizes the severity of the potential consequences. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific situation.

What does it mean when the Foreign Office warns of "a high threat"?

When the Foreign Office warns of "a high threat", it means they believe there is a significant risk of danger, often related to terrorism or political instability, in a particular location. This warning typically advises caution and heightened vigilance.