constitute a menace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitute a menace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that poses a threat or danger to people, property, or the environment. Example: "The abandoned building constitutes a menace to the neighborhood, attracting vandalism and illegal activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A craft that size does not constitute a menace to navigation.

The New Yorker

Have authority to require the painting and/or illumination of radio towers if and when in its judgment such towers constitute, or there is a reasonable possibility that they may constitute, a menace to air navigation.

Cornell University

Meanwhile, I trust that all concerned will declare and show their determination not to allow any incidents in connection with Danzig to assume such a character as might constitute a menace to the peace of Europe.

Yale University

The locusts will come no nearer the city than central L. I., parts of Westchester and N.J., and even in these places will not occur in numbers great enough to constitute a menace.

The New Yorker

It is the legacy of slavery that threatens our Union still, and voices of extremism, hatred and violence that are heard across the internet and from some political and media quarters constitute a menace capable of destroying our nation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Publications of his works were purged of the material that constituted a menace to the system of serfdom, particularly that concerned with materialist and humanist ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Details of these conversations were not revealed, but it is understood they had to do with France's worries over Germany's rearmament and ambitions constituting a menace to Germany's neighbors.

The New York Times

436, 48 L.Ed. 679, in referring to the holding company device there in issue, this Court said that the mere existence of such a combination and the power acquired by the holding company as its trustee constituted a menace to and a direct restraint upon that freedom of commerce which Congress intended to recognize and protect and which the public is entitled to have protected.

Cornell University

Human rights activists and conservationists warn that "poaching and its potential linkages to other criminal, even terrorist, activities constitute a grave menace to sustainable peace and security in Central Africa".

Independent

In that context, here's what my father wrote: "We seem to have a national fear that one day the Japanese will be big and strong enough to constitute a real menace to America.

Huffington Post

Polish opposition is directed above all against a annexation by the Reich, which would, it is considered, invalidate a real guarantees relating to the utilization of the Vistula and the port of Danzig, and constitute such a menace to the Corridor that it would run the risk of being taken at any moment.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context when choosing the phrase and choose an alternative if it is less formal and simpler. This phrase is best suited to contexts that require language that is more sophisticated.

Common error

Avoid using "constitute a menace" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural or pretentious in everyday settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is a threat" or "poses a danger".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute a menace" functions as a verb phrase, where "constitute" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the predicate nominative "menace." Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constitute a menace" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that presents a significant threat or danger. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for written English and fits formal contexts. While examples demonstrate its presence in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, it's advisable to reserve it for situations where formal language is appropriate. The phrase can be replaced by alternatives such as "pose a threat" or "represent a danger" for simpler or more direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a threat

Replaces "constitute" with "pose" and "menace" with "threat", focusing on the act of presenting a danger.

represent a danger

Uses "represent" instead of "constitute" and "danger" instead of "menace", emphasizing the act of symbolizing a risk.

present a hazard

Substitutes "menace" with "hazard", highlighting the potential for causing harm or damage.

create a risk

Focuses on the action of bringing a risk into existence, rather than simply being a threat.

prove to be a menace

Suggests a demonstration or realization of being a source of danger.

become a threat

Emphasizes the process of evolving into a threat, suggesting a change over time.

turn into a danger

Similar to "become a threat", but with a stronger sense of transformation into something perilous.

develop into a menace

Highlights a gradual progression toward becoming a source of danger or trouble.

give rise to danger

Focuses on the act of initiating or causing a dangerous situation.

cause alarm

Emphasizes the reaction of creating fear or concern, rather than the state of being dangerous itself.

FAQs

How can I use "constitute a menace" in a sentence?

Use "constitute a menace" to describe something that presents a significant threat or danger. For example, "The abandoned building "constitutes a menace" to the neighborhood".

What are some alternatives to "constitute a menace"?

You can use alternatives like "pose a threat", "represent a danger", or "create a risk" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "constitute a menace" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "constitute a menace" is quite formal. For informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "is a threat" or "poses a problem".

What's the difference between "constitute a menace" and "is a menace"?

"Constitute a menace" implies that something, through its inherent qualities or actions, is becoming a threat. "Is a menace" is a more direct statement that something is currently a source of danger or trouble. The former is more formal and nuanced.