an ongoing threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that continues to pose a danger or risk over time. Example: "The cybersecurity team is constantly monitoring for an ongoing threat to our network security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Falling into administration is an ongoing threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Britain faces an ongoing threat of terrorism and must strike a careful balance between privacy rights and law enforcement needs.

The New York Times

No one is condoning what he did, but there is going to be an ongoing threat on him.

Independent

Furthermore, the new dominance of the killer virus poses an ongoing threat to colonies even after beekeepers have eradicated the mites from hives.

The Guardian

Potential investors passed up offers to develop two fields under Baghdad's restive Sadr City and in the country's east, citing an ongoing threat from militants.

The Guardian - Business

It is not known how long the NSA can keep American phone and email communications in its databases after identifying it as unrelated to an ongoing threat.

The Guardian

The World Health Organisation has downgraded Zika from a "global health emergency", instead defining it as an ongoing threat, like other mosquito-borne diseases.

The Guardian

Months ago, the secession of Scotland, which threatened to break up the foundations of the state, was narrowly avoided; it remains an ongoing threat.

The Guardian - Business

In Iraq, video imagery of Saddam's Kurdish gas victims ultimately came out, but it took years; there was no sense of urgency or an ongoing threat.

The Economist

Mr. McGillycuddy described Mr. Winkler as an ongoing threat to Justice Snyder and requested that he be placed in solitary confinement at the Brooklyn House of Detention, where he can be more closely monitored.

The New York Times

On September 3rd — just last week — he expanded upon this formulation, saying at a press conference, "Our objective is to make sure that ISIL is not an ongoing threat to the region".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an ongoing threat", ensure the context clearly identifies the source and potential impact of the threat. Specificity enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "an ongoing threat" without sufficient evidence. Overuse can diminish its credibility and create unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing threat" functions as a noun phrase, where 'ongoing' acts as an adjective modifying 'threat'. It describes a continuous or persistent source of danger or risk. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing threat" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe a persistent danger or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appropriate in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific and formal communications, the phrase serves to highlight the continuous nature of a threat, prompting awareness and action. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifically identifying the threat and its potential impact. Avoid exaggeration and consider alternatives like "a persistent danger" or "a continuous risk" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent danger

Emphasizes the continuous and lasting nature of the danger.

a continuous risk

Highlights the unceasing probability of harm or negative consequences.

a standing menace

Implies a constant and present danger that looms over a situation.

a perennial hazard

Suggests a recurring or regularly encountered danger.

a constant peril

Focuses on the unremitting nature of the dangerous situation.

a continuing source of danger

Highlights the source of the danger is not resolved and persists.

a lingering threat

Emphasizes that the threat remains present for an extended period.

an ever-present danger

Stresses the constant proximity and immediacy of the threat.

a chronic risk

Implies a long-term, persistent risk, often associated with health or systemic issues.

a sustained hazard

Suggests that the hazard is maintained or prolonged over time.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "an ongoing threat", clearly identify what is causing the threat and who or what is being threatened. For example, "Climate change is "an ongoing threat" to coastal communities."

What are some alternatives to "an ongoing threat"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a persistent danger", "a continuous risk", or "a looming threat" to convey a similar meaning. Consider also "a "standing menace"" or "a "lingering threat"".

When is it appropriate to describe something as "an ongoing threat"?

It is appropriate when a specific danger or risk is not only present but also expected to continue or recur over a period of time. For example, "cybersecurity breaches are "an ongoing threat" for businesses".

What differentiates "an ongoing threat" from a "potential threat"?

"An ongoing threat" suggests that the threat is currently active and has a history of being present, while a "potential threat" implies that the threat is possible but not yet realized or active. For example, "a security vulnerability is "a potential threat"" compared to "malware is "an ongoing threat"".