are under threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are under threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is in danger or at risk of harm. Example: "Many species of wildlife are under threat due to habitat destruction and climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are under threat.

The New York Times

Yet both are under threat.

The Guardian

First, they are under threat.

The New York Times

But all these things are under threat.

The Economist

But today they are under threat.

The Economist

Fourteen are under threat in Suffolk.

Independent

Now those values are under threat.

The New York Times

Another 150 Kurdish villages are under threat.

Independent

Jobs and working hours are under threat.

BBC

Yet even these are under threat.

The Economist

Our rights are under threat".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are under threat", clearly specify what is causing the threat to provide context and clarity. For instance, "Coral reefs are under threat from rising sea temperatures" is more informative than simply "Coral reefs are under threat".

Common error

Avoid using "are under threat" in every instance. Sometimes, an active voice construction is more direct and impactful. Instead of "The ecosystem is under threat from pollution", consider "Pollution threatens the ecosystem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are under threat" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as being in danger or at risk. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show its use across diverse subjects, from species to jobs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are under threat" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote that something is in danger or at risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and diverse applicability make it suitable for various contexts. From news reports to scientific publications, the phrase effectively conveys concern and urgency about potential harm. Related phrases, such as "are at risk" or "face a threat", offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, while best practices encourage specifying the cause of the threat for greater clarity. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are at risk

This alternative is a more general way of expressing that something is in danger.

are in danger

This alternative highlights the immediate possibility of harm.

face a threat

This alternative emphasizes the active presence of a threatening force.

are vulnerable

This alternative emphasizes a weakness that makes something susceptible to harm.

are imperiled

This alternative suggests a severe and imminent threat.

are jeopardized

This alternative indicates that something is being put at risk.

are endangered

This alternative is often used to describe species at risk of extinction.

are in a precarious situation

This alternative suggests an unstable condition with a high risk of negative outcomes.

are facing extinction

This alternative emphasizes the active presence of an extinction threat, often used to describe species.

are becoming extinct

This alternative highlights a situation of imminent extinction, often used to describe species.

FAQs

How can I use "are under threat" in a sentence?

The phrase "are under threat" indicates that something or someone is in a dangerous or risky situation. For example: "Many endangered species "are under threat" due to deforestation".

What can I say instead of "are under threat"?

You can use alternatives like "are at risk", "are in danger", or "face a threat", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "are under threat" or "is under threat"?

"Are under threat" is used for plural subjects, while "is under threat" is used for singular subjects. For example, "The ecosystem is under threat" (singular) versus "Ecosystems "are under threat"" (plural).

What's the difference between "are under threat" and "are threatened"?

"Are under threat" implies a state of being at risk, while "are threatened" often suggests an active agent causing the threat. For example, "The forests "are under threat" from climate change" versus "The forests are threatened by illegal loggers".