be under threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be under threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jobs are likely to be under threat.

The Guardian - Business

It's also said to be under threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The stability of the entire region could be under threat".

The New York Times

But Mr. Ito's heritage may be under threat.

The New York Times

The Black Cap was said to be under threat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The whole infrastructure would be under threat," she said.

The Guardian

Yet now our emergency accommodation may be under threat.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, there are two reasons to worry that reform may be under threat.

The Economist

Now British beer drinkers are worried their pints could be under threat.

Independent

However, a coalition majority in Thursday's Commons vote is not believed to be under threat.

The Guardian

First, the really bad news: Spain's famously long lunches appear to be under threat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more specific verb like "jeopardize" or "endanger" might be more impactful and concise than using the phrase "be under threat".

Common error

Avoid using "be under threat" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, consider rewriting the sentence to highlight the actor causing the threat, creating a more direct and engaging statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be under threat" functions as a predicate adjective describing a noun's state of vulnerability or risk. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly signifies that something is in danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be under threat" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is at risk or in danger. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "be at risk" or "be in danger" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using "be under threat", it's important to clearly identify what is being threatened and the source of the threat to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be at risk

Replaces "under threat" with "at risk", focusing on the potential for harm or danger.

be in danger

Substitutes "under threat" with "in danger", emphasizing the immediate presence of risk.

be in jeopardy

Similar to "be in danger", but with a more formal tone.

face a threat

Shifts the focus to the act of confronting a threat, rather than being subjected to it.

be jeopardized

Replaces the entire phrase with a single verb, highlighting the act of endangering something.

be imperiled

Similar to "be jeopardized", but carries a slightly stronger connotation of danger.

be vulnerable

Focuses on the state of being susceptible to harm or attack.

be exposed to danger

Emphasizes the lack of protection from potential harm.

be at stake

Highlights what could be lost if the threat materializes.

be at risk of extinction

Specifically indicates a threat of complete disappearance, most often related to animal species.

FAQs

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

You can use "be under threat" to indicate that something is at risk of harm or danger. For example, "The environment is "be under threat" due to pollution".

What are some alternatives to saying "be under threat"?

Alternatives include "be at risk", "be in danger", or "face a threat", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "be under threat" or "be threatened"?

"Be under threat" generally implies a state of being at risk, while "be threatened" suggests a direct action causing the risk. The better choice depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.

What does it mean when something is said to "be under threat"?

When something is said to "be under threat", it means that its existence, well-being, or stability is at risk due to some external factor or condition.