an underlying threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hidden or less obvious danger or risk that may not be immediately apparent. Example: "While the project seems promising, there is an underlying threat of budget overruns that we must address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And there was an underlying threat of political consequences should he not.

The New York Times

Like Love Story there's an underlying threat of a cruel fate about to scupper the lives of this mismatched yet oddly yoked pair.

The Guardian - Film

When a UN badge or an underlying threat scares people off, Uludag offers a safe way to speak out.

Vice

I felt safe with my Muslim brothers and sisters, but felt an underlying threat as being Muslim became politically charged after 9/11.

Vice

Just like our addiction to harvesting fossil fuels underlies our plastic pollution problem, the solutions to this problem (alternative energy, toxics reform and pollution control) have an underlying threat and that is money in politics with the Supreme Court decision Citizens United blessing the whole corrupt system.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

At the meeting, my colleague Dr. Benard P. Dreyer, professor of pediatrics at New York University and a past president of the Academic Pediatric Association, called on pediatricians to take on poverty as a serious underlying threat to children's health.

The New York Times

It was nice, too, that the campfire scene still had zombies hanging around the fences in the background – the constant, underlying threat that was missing for a lot of last season is back.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As a recent article by the Atlantic Council correctly noted, "Defensive measures might hold off an individual cyberattack, but they do not address the underlying threat.

TechCrunch

These concerns, apart from the underlying threat of decay through the relentless passage of time, a common theme in still-life painting, would be many, even if they were only limited to food.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

But the underlying threat, American officials contend, is that lax security at the poorly financed labs that collect and study these diseases pose a bioterrorism risk.

The New York Times

"When you think about risky marketing or publicity stunts that do happen, they don't have this kind of underlying threat to the profits of the company".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance impact, follow up the phrase "an underlying threat" with an explanation of the factors contributing to it or the measures being taken to mitigate it. This adds depth and practical value to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying threat" when the danger is already apparent. This phrase is most effective when the threat is subtle or not immediately recognized. For example, instead of saying 'The poorly maintained bridge poses an underlying threat of collapse,' consider using a more direct statement like 'The poorly maintained bridge is at risk of collapse'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying threat" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a danger or risk that is not immediately obvious, often requiring careful analysis to discern. Ludwig AI shows examples in contexts ranging from political consequences to health risks.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying threat" is a noun phrase used to describe a danger or risk that is not immediately apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It commonly appears in news and scientific contexts to raise awareness and encourage proactive measures. While the phrase's frequency is rare, its clear communicative purpose and presence in reputable sources make it a valuable addition to a writer's toolkit. Remember to provide specific details when using this phrase to enhance its impact and ensure clear understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a latent danger

This alternative emphasizes the potential for the threat to emerge or become active in the future.

a concealed risk

This alternative highlights the aspect of the risk being hidden or not easily noticeable.

a hidden peril

This alternative uses a more dramatic term, 'peril', to convey a sense of serious danger that is not readily apparent.

an unacknowledged danger

Focuses on the threat being present but not recognized or admitted.

a lurking danger

This alternative emphasizes the potential for the danger to emerge unexpectedly.

a subtle menace

This option stresses the understated or delicate nature of the implied threat.

a veiled threat

Highlights that the threat is presented indirectly or ambiguously.

a simmering danger

This alternative likens the threat to something that is building up and could erupt.

a background threat

This version emphasizes that the threat exists as a constant but less prominent factor.

an implicit danger

This emphasizes that the danger is suggested or implied but not plainly expressed.

FAQs

How can "an underlying threat" be used in a sentence?

You can use "an underlying threat" to describe a risk that is not immediately obvious or apparent. For example, "Despite the company's success, there's an underlying threat of market saturation".

What phrases are similar to "an underlying threat"?

Similar phrases include "a latent danger", "a concealed risk", or "a hidden peril". These phrases also suggest a danger that is not immediately obvious.

Is it better to say "an underlying threat" or "a potential threat"?

The choice depends on the context. "An underlying threat" suggests a risk that is already present but not easily seen, while "a potential threat" simply indicates a risk that could develop in the future. Use "an underlying threat" when the risk factors are already in place.

What's the difference between "an underlying threat" and "an imminent threat"?

"An underlying threat" refers to a hidden or less obvious danger, while "an imminent threat" indicates a danger that is about to happen or is very likely to occur soon. The key difference is the timing and visibility of the threat.