a significant threat

USAGE SUMMARY

"a significant threat" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to something that poses a notable danger or challenge. Example: Climate change is a significant threat to our planet's ecosystems and human society as a whole.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These measures posed a significant threat to Branson's profit margins.

The Guardian

The reality is we're facing a significant threat of closure".

The Guardian

"The iPhone 6 will be a significant threat to Samsung".

The Guardian - Tech

This industry-wide improvement is a significant threat to Toyota.

The New York Times

Mr. Whiteford said that Mr. Tilton's comments could pose a significant threat to employee morale.

The New York Times

The wrecking of the MV Oliva, therefore, posed a significant threat to them.

The Guardian

Species facing a significant threat are classified as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.

The New York Times

The cruiser posed a significant threat to the British task force, said a Ministry spokesman.

The Guardian

Nevertheless these ambitious young film-makers pose a significant threat to the primacy of television.

The Guardian - Tech

Nevertheless, Mr. Ashcroft said the tapes showed that the men represented a significant threat.

The New York Times

The fact is, none of what Morell describes as a threat actually is a significant threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing risks or challenges, use "a significant threat" to clearly convey the importance and potential impact of the issue. This phrase works well in both formal reports and news articles to highlight the severity of a problem.

Common error

While "significant" is a useful adjective, overuse can dilute its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "major", "substantial", or "critical" to keep your writing engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant threat" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as posing a notable danger or challenge, highlighting its potential for harm or disruption, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant threat" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe something that poses a notable danger or challenge. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to express concern or warn about potential risks. It's versatile enough for both formal and informal communication, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While widely accepted, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms to keep your writing engaging. Keep in mind that related phrases, as identified above, can give different nuances and shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a notable threat

Changes the adjective to emphasize the noteworthiness of the threat.

a considerable threat

Replaces "significant" with "considerable", indicating a threat that is worthy of attention.

a major threat

Emphasizes the threat's importance by using "major".

a substantial threat

Uses "substantial" to highlight the size and impact of the threat.

a serious threat

Highlights the gravity of the threat by using "serious".

a grave threat

Indicates a threat that is extremely serious and potentially disastrous.

a perilous threat

Changes the adjective to emphasize the danger aspect of the threat.

a critical threat

Highlights the urgency and importance of addressing the threat.

a looming threat

Focuses on the impending nature of the threat.

a potential threat

Indicates that the threat is not yet realized but could become significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant threat" to describe something that poses a considerable danger or risk. For instance, "Climate change is "a significant threat" to coastal communities".

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

You can use alternatives like "a major threat", "a substantial threat", or "a serious threat" depending on the context.

Is "a significant threat" formal or informal?

"A significant threat" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing. Consider the register of your writing; generally "a major threat" is considered less formal than ""a significant threat"".

What's the difference between "a significant threat" and "a minor threat"?

"A significant threat" indicates a substantial danger or risk, while "a minor threat" suggests a relatively small or inconsequential risk. The choice depends on the scale and impact of the potential danger.