a specific threat of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific threat of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a particular danger or risk that has been identified or articulated. Example: "The report highlighted a specific threat of cyber attacks on the company's data infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A specific threat of violence against a specific person can be made a crime.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, police in Uganda have increased security in the capital Kampala following a "specific threat" of a planned attack on its main international airport at Entebbe.

BBC

Their vetoed resolution had contained a specific threat of sanctions if Syrian authorities did not stop using heavy weapons and withdraw troops from towns and cities within 10 days.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

According to Reuters, diplomats have denied rumors of a specific threat to capitals of Dakar and the Ivory Coast capital of Abidjan, both major West African hubs for Westerners working in the aid, diplomacy, and financial sectors.

Vice

Bird had made a specific threat "to execute members of the public whenever he read or heard something about his family that he didn't like", he recalls.

The Guardian

Bob Stevenson, a spokesman for the Senate majority leader, Bill Frist, Republican of Tennessee, said he was aware of no new information of a specific threat to the Capitol, which lawmakers and law enforcement authorities consider a potential terror target.

The New York Times

There was the early explanation that Mr. Bush stayed out of the capital because of a specific threat to blow up the president's plane, made more chilling by the caller's use of the code word for Air Force One.

The New York Times

Investigators allegedly found a specific threat to the US state of California that refers to the killing of 14 people in San Bernadino in December, which said: "we will repeat the California shooting, you won't find peace in your sleeping rooms until we kill your men, enslave your women and sell your children".

The Guardian

Let's assume (in contradiction to the alcohol provision line) that the police genuinely had intelligence of a specific threat to the event.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We've been made aware of a specific threat to the international staff in the Baghdad bureau," said the memo, sent by Jon Williams, the BBC's World News editor.

The New York Times

According to CNN Türk, Turkey's secret intelligence service, MIT, warned of a specific threat to the airport 20 days ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific threat of", ensure you can provide details or context to illustrate what makes the threat "specific". Avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific threat of" when the information you have is only a general concern or possibility. Ensure you possess credible details that elevate the concern to the level of a "specific threat".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific threat of" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it describes a particular and identifiable danger or risk.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific threat of" is a phrase used to highlight a particular and identifiable danger. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly appears in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase carries a neutral register, suitable for formal and informal communication alike. When using this phrase, be sure to provide context that clarifies the nature of the specific threat to avoid vagueness and maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concrete threat of

Replaces "specific" with "concrete", emphasizing the tangibility and reality of the threat.

a definite threat of

Substitutes "specific" with "definite", highlighting the certainty associated with the threat.

a clear threat of

Uses "clear" instead of "specific", indicating the threat is easily understood and recognized.

a particular threat of

Replaces "specific" with "particular", focusing on the distinct and individual nature of the threat.

a precise threat of

Emphasizes the exactness and accuracy of the threat by using "precise".

an identified threat of

Highlights that the threat has been recognized and pointed out.

a credible threat of

Indicates the believability and trustworthiness of the threat.

a palpable threat of

Suggests the threat is strongly felt and easily perceived.

a looming threat of

Emphasizes the sense of an impending and significant threat.

an imminent threat of

Highlights the urgency and near-term nature of the threat.

FAQs

How can I use "a specific threat of" in a sentence?

Use "a specific threat of" to highlight a clearly defined danger. For example, "There is "a specific threat of" cyberattacks targeting financial institutions."

What's the difference between "a specific threat of" and "a general threat of"?

"A specific threat of" refers to a particular, identified danger, whereas "a general threat of" indicates a broader, less defined risk. The former is more immediate and actionable.

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

You can use alternatives like "a concrete threat of", "a definite threat of", or "a clear threat of", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to elaborate after mentioning "a specific threat of"?

While not always mandatory, providing further details after mentioning "a specific threat of" helps to establish credibility and understanding. This elaboration helps clarify the nature and scope of the danger.