immediate threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "immediate threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that poses an urgent danger or risk that requires prompt attention or action. Example: "The storm has created an immediate threat to the coastal communities, prompting evacuation orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither is under immediate threat.

The Economist

Deoxygenation is an even more immediate threat.

Yale University

The immediate threat is the population.

The Guardian

The immediate threat is from Islamist extremism.

The Guardian

Stress mobilizes the body's resources to survive an immediate threat.

University of California, Berkeley

None of this poses an immediate threat to cable.

The Economist

That may be because deflation seems the more immediate threat.

The Economist

His throne may not be under immediate threat.

The Economist

These victories saved France from the immediate threat of invasion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, his job does not appear under immediate threat.

Independent

"I don't think it's an immediate threat," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "immediate threat", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being threatened and the source or nature of the threat.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate threat" when the danger is potential or long-term rather than actively unfolding. For example, using it to describe climate change without linking it to a specific imminent consequence can dilute the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate threat" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "immediate" modifies the noun "threat". It identifies and describes a specific type of danger that requires urgent attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used to denote situations demanding prompt action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "immediate threat" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a present and urgent danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely applicable across various contexts, most frequently in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly defines the source and target of the threat. Avoid overstating the immediacy, reserving the phrase for situations that truly demand immediate action. Alternatives such as "imminent danger" or "pressing danger" can be used to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imminent danger

Focuses more on the danger being on the verge of happening.

pressing danger

Highlights the urgency and need for immediate attention regarding the danger.

urgent peril

Emphasizes the high risk and the need for immediate action to avoid severe consequences.

proximate risk

A more formal term emphasizing the closeness and probability of the risk occurring.

acute hazard

Highlights the severity and sharpness of the hazard.

impending menace

Stresses the threatening nature of the situation and its nearness.

close jeopardy

Emphasizes the closeness of the exposure to potential harm or loss.

emerging threat

Highlights that the threat is just beginning to be apparent or develop.

developing crisis

Focuses on the crisis aspect and the fact that it is still unfolding.

escalating risk

Highlights that the risk is increasing in intensity or severity.

FAQs

How to use "immediate threat" in a sentence?

The phrase "immediate threat" describes a danger that requires prompt attention. For example, "The approaching hurricane poses an "immediate threat" to coastal communities."

What are some alternatives to "immediate threat"?

You can use alternatives like "imminent danger", "pressing danger", or "urgent peril" depending on the context.

What does "immediate threat" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "immediate threat" often refers to a situation where there is an imminent risk of harm or danger, justifying actions taken in self-defense or to protect others.

Is there a difference between "immediate threat" and "potential threat"?

"Immediate threat" refers to a present and imminent danger, while "potential threat" indicates a risk that may develop in the future. The former requires immediate action, while the latter requires monitoring and preparedness.