being threatened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being threatened" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation in which someone feels unsafe or in danger due to the words or actions of someone else. For example, "The student felt uneasy about going to school after being threatened by his classmate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How do you feel about that today?" Not good, he replied, but it had been a matter of "territory being threatened, team being threatened, reputation being threatened".

The New Yorker

"They are being threatened.

The New York Times

Thought Leadership is being threatened.

The New Yorker

His mother was being threatened.

Independent

But now, regulation is being threatened.

Independent

"Today Belarus is being threatened from abroad.

The Economist

"And they're all being threatened".

The New York Times

Binneyl: They're being threatened and intimidated.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That is what is now being threatened.

The Guardian - Business

Yet today that progress is being threatened.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

People I know are being threatened, being assaulted".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being threatened", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the threat. For example, specify who is doing the threatening and what the potential consequences are.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "the environment is being threatened" without specifying what is causing the threat or what aspects of the environment are at risk. Be specific for greater impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being threatened" functions as part of a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of a threatening action. This is supported by the examples in Ludwig, where various entities or individuals are described as experiencing threats.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being threatened" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of vulnerability or danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, it is important to be clear about the source and nature of the threat. While the register is generally neutral, the underlying concept often carries emotional weight. Alternatives such as "under threat", "facing intimidation", and "in danger" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. To sum up, ensure your use of "being threatened" is clear, specific, and appropriate for the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under threat

A more concise way of saying "being threatened".

subject to threats

Highlights the act of threats being directed toward someone.

feeling menaced

Highlights the subjective feeling of being under threat.

facing intimidation

Focuses on the act of intimidation rather than the state of being threatened.

under duress

Suggests a state of coercion or pressure.

experiencing coercion

Emphasizes the external pressure being applied.

in danger

A more general term indicating a risk of harm.

at risk

Similar to "in danger" but emphasizes vulnerability.

exposed to danger

Focuses on the vulnerability to potential harm.

vulnerable to harm

Emphasizes the susceptibility to injury or damage.

FAQs

How can I use "being threatened" in a sentence?

You can use "being threatened" to describe a state of vulnerability or danger. For example: "The witness reported "being threatened" by the defendant's associates".

What's the difference between "being threatened" and "feeling threatened"?

"Being threatened" describes an objective state of danger, while "feeling threatened" describes a subjective emotional response. One can be "being threatened" without feeling it, and vice versa.

What can I say instead of "being threatened"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "under threat", "facing intimidation", or "in danger".

Is it correct to say "is being threatened" or "are being threatened"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is being threatened" for singular subjects (e.g., "the project is being threatened") and "are being threatened" for plural subjects (e.g., "the employees are being threatened").