could pose a threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could pose a threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the potential of a situation or event to cause harm or danger. For example, "The rising waters of the flood could pose a threat to low-lying areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Mr Olsen warned there were others who could pose a threat to the West.

Independent

There is concern that such people could pose a threat in the event of a war.

The Economist

"Using this information in isolation could pose a threat to patients".

The New York Times

"If these groups are allowed to grow, unchecked by local authorities, they could pose a threat".

The New York Times - Magazine

She surely knows that the sentiments Rahman speaks to could pose a threat to her.

The Guardian

But recent events could pose a threat to Go's cultural supremacy.

The New Yorker

The controversy could pose a threat not only for Enda Kenny's administration but for the EU as a whole.

The Guardian

Now, paradoxically, a new chapter in the book Mr. Hatch helped write could pose a threat to him.

The New York Times

Their enormous debt holdings could pose a threat to the economy, he told Congress, urging stronger oversight.

The Economist

There is concern that any such people could pose a threat in the event of a war.

The Economist

Without improving living standards, there would be large-scale unrest, which could pose a threat to their power.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could pose a threat", clearly specify what or whom the threat is directed towards to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "could pose a threat" excessively in situations where the danger is minimal or hypothetical. Overuse can dilute the impact and create a sense of unwarranted alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could pose a threat" functions as a qualifier, indicating a potential future danger or risk. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable structure. It describes a scenario where something has the capacity to cause harm but hasn't necessarily done so yet.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

24%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could pose a threat" is a versatile expression used to indicate potential danger or harm. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific reporting. Its primary function is to warn or caution about possible negative outcomes. While the phrase is frequently used, overusing it in alarmist situations should be avoided. Related phrases, such as "might present a danger" or "may create a hazard", offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has the potential to endanger

Focuses on the potential to cause harm or put someone/something in danger.

might present a danger

Replaces "pose a threat" with "present a danger", emphasizing the potential for harm.

may become a source of danger

Emphasizes the potential for something to evolve into a dangerous entity.

may create a hazard

Substitutes "threat" with "hazard", highlighting a source of potential risk or danger.

might give rise to risks

Uses "give rise to risks" instead of "pose a threat", focusing on the generation of potential dangers.

may imperil

This alternative is more formal.

can engender risks

This alternative suggests risks are being generated.

could represent a challenge

Replaces 'threat' with 'challenge', softening the negative implication and suggesting a difficulty to overcome.

may jeopardize

This alternative shortens the phrase.

can undermine

This alternative suggests weakening something instead of a direct threat.

FAQs

How can I use "could pose a threat" in a sentence?

Use "could pose a threat" to indicate a potential source of danger or harm. For example, "The approaching hurricane "could pose a threat" to coastal communities."

What are some alternatives to saying "could pose a threat"?

Alternatives include "might present a danger", "may create a hazard", or "has the potential to endanger", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "could pose a threat" or "is a threat"?

"Could pose a threat" indicates a potential or future danger, while "is a threat" indicates an existing and immediate danger. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the current situation.

What does it mean when something "could pose a threat"?

It means that there is a possibility, but not a certainty, that something will cause harm or danger in the future.