a severe threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant danger or risk in various contexts, such as environmental issues, security concerns, or health risks. Example: "The report highlighted a severe threat to the local wildlife due to habitat destruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expected geographic range shifts and observed phenological changes are only two among several reasons why climate change is suggested to represent a severe threat to amphibians [14],[15].

Environmental Sciences Europe

Nonetheless, the plume represents a severe threat to aircraft.

The New York Times

This poses a severe threat to banks' recovery in many countries.

The Economist

In an interview with The Independent he warned they pose a severe threat.

Independent

An official warned that the spill posed a "severe threat" to sea life and water quality.

The New York Times

He was worried about not being able to help prisoners survive under such a severe threat.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Hong Kong Observatory said the storm would pose a "severe threat to Hong Kong".

The New York Times

"Document fraud poses a severe threat to national security and public safety," Ms. Navas said.

The New York Times

Yet any government that ignored such a severe threat to its animals and its people would be negligent.

The New Yorker

The strife unleashed by the Hindu militants' attack poses a severe threat to India's constitutional foundations as a secular state.

The New York Times

"Regular geological disasters are a severe threat to the lives of residents around the dam," Huang Xuebin, an engineer, told a meeting of officials.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a severe threat", ensure the context clearly defines what is being threatened and why the threat is considered severe. Provide specific details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a severe threat" when the danger is only minor or speculative. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact when describing genuinely serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe threat" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb such as 'pose', 'represent', or 'constitute'. It identifies something that presents a significant danger or risk, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a severe threat" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something posing a significant danger or risk. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. It functions as a noun phrase, often the object of verbs like 'pose' or 'represent', and is used to emphasize the seriousness of a situation. While suitable for formal and informal writing, it is crucial to use it accurately, avoiding overstatement of minor or speculative dangers. Alternatives include "a grave danger" or "a serious risk", offering nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave danger

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential consequences of the threat.

a serious risk

Highlights the probability of harm or negative outcomes.

a critical menace

Implies an urgent and significant threat requiring immediate attention.

a major peril

Stresses the magnitude and potential destructiveness of the threat.

a significant hazard

Focuses on the potential for causing harm or damage.

a dire threat

Suggests a more pessimistic and urgent danger.

a substantial threat

Highlights the considerable scale or impact of the threat.

a worrying danger

Focuses on the potential for concern or anxiety caused by the risk.

a looming danger

Suggests an impending and unavoidable threat.

an imminent threat

Indicates that the danger is about to happen very soon.

FAQs

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

You can use "a severe threat" to describe something that poses a significant danger or risk. For example: "Climate change poses "a severe threat" to coastal communities."

What are some alternatives to "a severe threat"?

Alternatives include "a grave danger", "a serious risk", or "a critical menace", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

"Severe threat" and "serious threat" are both valid, but "severe" implies a higher level of intensity and potential impact than "serious". Choose the term that best reflects the actual level of danger.

Can "a severe threat" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "a severe threat" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although the specific context should always dictate the most fitting language. More formal contexts might benefit from synonyms like "a grave danger".