a real threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, person, or thing that poses a genuine danger or risk. Example: "The recent increase in cyber attacks is a real threat to our national security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Decay is never a real threat.

The New Yorker

He's a real threat.

The New York Times

As yet, none poses a real threat.

The Economist

He now represents a real threat.

The Economist

"Terrorism is a real threat.

The Guardian

Is that a real threat?

The Washington Post

"He's a real threat," said Martinez afterwards.

Independent

He was a real threat to run.

The New York Times - Sports

It was responding to a real threat.

The New York Times - Books

"It's a real threat," she said.

The New York Times

Ripley feels like a real threat.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the source of a threat, be specific and use concrete language to convey the potential impact. For example, instead of just saying "the virus is a real threat", specify "the virus is a real threat to the stability of the operating system."

Common error

Avoid hyperbole and exaggeration when describing a threat. Using measured language makes your assessment more credible and less likely to be dismissed as alarmist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real threat" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "real" modifies the noun "threat". It serves to identify and emphasize the genuine and immediate nature of a danger or risk. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various contexts to highlight concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a real threat" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that poses a genuine danger or risk. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific sources. Its function is to emphasize the immediacy and authenticity of a threat, and its purpose is to express concern and urgency. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, the specific context often dictates the level of formality. Alternatives include "a serious risk", "a genuine danger", and "a significant menace", each with slight variations in emphasis. When using "a real threat", it's best to be specific about the source and potential impact, while avoiding hyperbole to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine danger

Emphasizes the authenticity and validity of the danger.

a serious risk

Highlights the gravity and potential consequences of the risk.

a significant menace

Implies a persistent and troublesome threat.

a credible danger

Focuses on the believability and plausibility of the danger.

a substantial hazard

Stresses the considerable scale and impact of the hazard.

a tangible risk

Suggests that the risk is easily perceived and understood.

a pressing peril

Indicates that the peril is urgent and demands immediate attention.

a looming threat

Suggests the threat is approaching or becoming imminent.

a present danger

Highlights the immediacy and actuality of the danger.

a growing menace

Indicates that the menace is increasing in intensity or scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real threat" to describe something that poses a genuine danger or risk. For example, "Climate change is "a real threat" to coastal communities."

What can I say instead of "a real threat"?

You can use alternatives like "a serious risk", "a genuine danger", or "a significant menace" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a real threat" or "a really threat"?

"A real threat" is correct. "Really" is an adverb and doesn't fit grammatically in this phrase, where "real" acts as an adjective modifying "threat".

What's the difference between "a potential threat" and "a real threat"?

"A potential threat" refers to something that could become a threat in the future, whereas ""a real threat"" is something that is currently posing a danger or risk.