an escalating threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an escalating threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is becoming increasingly dangerous or serious over time. Example: "The intelligence reports indicate that there is an escalating threat from cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Isis is an escalating threat that's growing and worsening.

The Guardian - Opinion

Similar homemade mines have been encountered from Afghanistan to Syria and Yemen – an escalating threat that has recently pushed global efforts to reduce landmine casualties into a sharp reverse.

The Guardian

The Israeli-based firm Blue Security said it could no longer continue to operate in the face of an escalating threat to the internet from a malicious Russian spammer known only as PharmaMaster.

The Guardian - Tech

He told the BBC there was an escalating threat from the virus, known as Wanna Decryptor or WannaCry, adding: "We've never seen anything like this - it's unprecedented in scale". The ransomware, which locked users' files and demanded payment to allow access, spread to 150 countries, including Spain, Russia, the US and China.

BBC

"At the moment, we are in the face of an escalating threat.

Huffington Post

We propose extracellular feedback as a general mechanism that can balance speed and accuracy – choosing the most suitable responders out of a polyclonal population under the clock of an escalating threat.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The continuing propagation of highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses among poultry [6] and migratory birds [7], [8] poses a continuing and potentially escalating threat to human populations.

Plosone

The past 2 months has seen dramatic world events, with the escalating threat of a global SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic and a war in Iraq beamed live into our daily lives.

Critical Care

The great unwashed had at last found a voice and, terrified by the escalating threat of nuclear war, they had something passionate to say with it.

The Guardian - Music

It fears that an escalating nuclear threat on the peninsula could upset the region's delicate security balance, with dangerous consequences for itself.

The Economist

The Home Office may be painting these figures as proof of an escalating terrorist threat but many Muslims could point to the same figures as evidence of unfair and racist policing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an escalating threat", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the threat to increase. Providing specific details strengthens your argument and clarifies the situation for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an escalating threat" in situations where the danger is not genuinely increasing. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing seem sensationalized or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an escalating threat" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "escalating" acts as a modifying adjective to the noun "threat". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an escalating threat" is a noun phrase used to describe a danger that is growing in intensity or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While grammatically sound, overuse can diminish its impact, therefore it's important to provide specific details about the source and nature of the threat. Alternatives include "a growing menace" or "an increasing danger". The phrase serves to highlight the urgency of addressing a worsening situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intensifying risk

This is very similar, replacing 'escalating' with 'intensifying' to describe a risk that is becoming stronger.

a growing menace

This alternative uses "menace" instead of "threat", emphasizing the harmful nature of the danger. The tone is slightly more aggressive.

an increasing danger

This alternative replaces "escalating" with "increasing" and "threat" with "danger", creating a more straightforward and less intense expression.

a rising peril

This alternative uses "peril", which suggests imminent danger or risk, making it slightly more dramatic than the original phrase.

a worsening hazard

This alternative uses "worsening" to convey the escalation and "hazard" to refer to a potential source of danger. It highlights the deteriorating aspect.

a mounting risk

This alternative uses "mounting" to illustrate the increase in risk over time, which is similar to "escalating".

an amplifying concern

This alternative uses 'amplifying' to convey a concern that is increasingly being heard or noticed.

a burgeoning crisis

This suggests a rapidly developing and potentially overwhelming situation, differing from a simple threat by implying a state of emergency.

a growing risk factor

Adding "factor" specifies that it's an element contributing to overall risk, suitable in contexts where multiple risks are considered.

a snowballing problem

Uses the metaphor of a snowball to convey how the problem is rapidly growing, which might be considered less formal.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an escalating threat" in a sentence?

To effectively use "an escalating threat", clearly identify the source of the threat and the factors contributing to its increase. For instance, "The "escalating threat of cyberattacks" demands immediate action" highlights both the threat and the need for a response.

What are some alternatives to "an escalating threat" that I can use?

You can use alternatives such as "a growing danger", "an increasing risk", or "a rising peril" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify the source of "an escalating threat"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the source of "an escalating threat" provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement. For example, instead of saying "There is an escalating threat", specify "There is "an escalating threat from climate change"".

How does "an escalating threat" differ from a general "threat"?

"An escalating threat" implies that the threat is not only present but also increasing in intensity or scope over time. A general "threat" simply indicates the presence of danger without necessarily suggesting that it is growing.