constitute a threat to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constitute a threat to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea that something poses a risk or posed a risk in the past. For example: "The outbreak of Covid-19 in our community constituted a threat to public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They constitute a threat to our democratic institutions . . .

The New Yorker

Do the conflicts of interest of our highly concentrated media constitute a threat to democracy?

The New York Times

But do these imperfections constitute a threat to health, and will treatment make a difference?

The New York Times

Letting the suspected chemical attack go unanswered would constitute a threat to the United States.

The Guardian

This mere possibility would, they said, constitute a "threat to national security".

The Guardian - Opinion

It also claims that "the situation in Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security".

The New York Times

Even if they did not, the figures show that these migrants hardly constitute a threat to Europe's social fabric.

The Guardian

But, the Soviet presence in Cuba does constitute a threat to the political stability of the hemisphere.

The New Yorker

All three species have stable or rising populations, but none is believed to constitute a threat to farming.

The Guardian

Casey said that a health exception must be available if "continuing her pregnancy would constitute a threat" to the woman.

The New York Times

Carney said that letting the suspected chemical attack go unanswered would constitute a threat to the United States.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constitute a threat to", clearly specify what is being threatened to provide context and impact. For example, instead of saying "the policy constitutes a threat", say "the policy constitutes a threat to national security".

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "constitute a threat to" in very casual conversation can sound overly formal or dramatic. Consider using simpler alternatives like "is a danger to" or "puts at risk" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constitute a threat to" functions as a predicate in sentences, describing the nature of a subject as dangerous or risky. It indicates that the subject amounts to or forms a threat. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constitute a threat to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something that poses a risk or danger. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s suitable for various writing contexts. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Science, and is considered appropriate for both neutral and formal registers. While effective, remember to clearly define what is being threatened to maximize impact and to consider simpler alternatives in very informal situations. Related phrases include "pose a danger to" and "present a risk to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a danger to

Indicates a slightly more immediate or direct risk than "constitute a threat to".

present a risk to

Similar to "pose a danger to", but can also imply a potential rather than an actual threat.

represent a hazard to

Focuses on the hazardous nature of the threat.

endanger

A more concise verb that directly expresses the act of putting someone or something in danger.

jeopardize

Suggests placing something valuable at risk.

be detrimental to

Highlights the harmful or damaging effects.

imperil

A more formal and less common synonym for endanger.

menace

Implies a more active or intentional threat.

compromise

Suggests weakening or impairing something, often security or safety.

undermine

Implies a gradual weakening or erosion of something.

FAQs

How can I use "constitute a threat to" in a sentence?

You can use "constitute a threat to" to describe something that poses a risk or danger to someone or something else. For example, "Pollution can "pose a danger to" public health" or "The new policy "presents a risk to" our investments".

What are some alternatives to "constitute a threat to"?

Some alternatives include "pose a danger to", "present a risk to", "endanger", or "jeopardize". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "constitute a threat to" in formal writing?

Yes, "constitute a threat to" is perfectly appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a serious tone and is suitable for discussing potential risks or dangers in a professional or academic setting.

What's the difference between "constitute a threat to" and "pose a threat to"?

While both phrases are similar, "constitute a threat to" implies that something forms or amounts to a threat, while "pose a threat to" suggests that something presents or creates a threat. The difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.