harbor a danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harbor a danger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential risks or threats that may be present in a situation or environment. Example: "The abandoned building may harbor a danger for curious explorers, as it could collapse at any moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

From wearing my father's dusty work jacket, which harbored a danger invisible to us all.

Huffington Post

And there are poignant moments in the settling of accounts in the second act, as when Steven, seeing his daughter's packed bag, laments, "I hate to see anyone carrying a suitcase," and recalls his own wife years earlier "making a run for it in a taxi down to the harbor with Danger".

The New York Times

TEs prompt a danger for asexual organisms since they harbor the potential of unconstrained propagation if not controlled by RNAi, DNA methylation or RIP [ 15].

BioEssays

Even though it was moved, the Catalina still presents a danger to any boats navigating into the harbor, navy officials said.

Los Angeles Times

They still harbor reservations, however, and have threatened to withdraw from New Start if they perceive a danger to Russia.

The New York Times

"Persistent disequilibria in the world economy continue to harbor the danger of further appreciation of European currencies in the face of large external deficits in the U.S. and inflexible currency regimes in other parts of the world," they wrote.

The New York Times

That's a danger".

The New York Times - Sports

This is a danger.

The New York Times

Therein lies a danger.

The New York Times - Sports

Human beings are a danger.

The New Yorker

That is always a danger.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harbor a danger" when describing a situation, place, or object that might conceal or contain hidden threats or potential risks. It is suitable for formal and descriptive writing where you want to highlight a less obvious danger.

Common error

Avoid using "harbor a danger" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "is dangerous" or "presents a risk" are more appropriate for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harbor a danger" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to attribute a quality of potential risk or threat to a subject. This usage aligns with Ludwig's assessment that it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "harbor a danger" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation or entity that contains a potential threat or risk. While not overly common, it is suitable for formal writing where the intent is to highlight a less obvious danger. Based on Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is considered usable in written English for indicating potential risks or threats. Alternative phrases such as "pose a threat" or "present a hazard" can be used depending on the context. It's important to note that the register of this phrase is generally neutral to formal, and should be used sparingly in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present a danger

Directly states that something is dangerous.

pose a risk

Indicates the creation or existence of risk.

pose a threat

Focuses on the active presentation of a threat rather than the passive harboring.

contain a threat

Focuses on the presence of danger within something.

present a hazard

Highlights the dangerous nature of something.

hold a threat

Implies danger is kept or maintained.

carry a risk

Emphasizes the inherent possibility of negative consequences.

embody a risk

Suggests the risk is a fundamental characteristic.

entail a peril

Uses a more formal term to denote serious and immediate danger.

involve a hazard

Similar to "present a hazard", but suggests danger is an intrinsic part.

FAQs

How can I use "harbor a danger" in a sentence?

You can use "harbor a danger" to describe something that contains a potential threat or risk. For instance: "The abandoned building may "harbor a danger" for curious explorers".

What are some alternatives to saying "harbor a danger"?

Alternatives include "pose a threat", "present a hazard", or "carry a risk", depending on the context.

Is "harbor a danger" a formal expression?

Yes, "harbor a danger" is considered a more formal expression. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "is dangerous" or "poses a risk".

What does it mean when something is said to "harbor a danger"?

When something is said to "harbor a danger", it means it contains or conceals a potential threat, risk, or hazard that may not be immediately obvious. It's like saying it has a hidden or underlying danger.