imminent threat

USAGE SUMMARY

'imminent threat' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate a danger that is likely to occur very soon. For example: "The hurricane posed an imminent threat to the coastal town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There was no imminent threat.

The New York Times

They pose no imminent threat to us".

The New York Times

The imminent threat concentrated minds elsewhere.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But because Saddam wasn't an imminent threat".

The New York Times - Magazine

So... did Bush claim an imminent threat?

The New York Times - Magazine

But it would eliminate the imminent threat of financial chaos.

The New York Times

Nor will they put Taiwan under imminent threat.

The Economist

Nor did they refer to any "imminent threat".

The Economist

The public was told that Saddam posed an imminent threat.

The New York Times

I feared there was imminent threat to their lives.

The Guardian

"There's a difference between imminent threat and threat".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imminent threat", ensure that the context clearly establishes what or who is threatened and the potential source or nature of the threat. For example, instead of simply stating "there is an imminent threat", specify "there is an imminent threat of flooding to the coastal regions".

Common error

Avoid using "imminent threat" vaguely or without clearly defining what is threatened and what is causing the threat. Overusing the phrase without context can weaken its impact and leave the audience unsure of the specific danger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imminent threat" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "imminent" modifies the noun "threat". Ludwig AI confirms it’s a common way to describe a situation that requires immediate attention. Examples show its use across diverse contexts, highlighting its descriptive capacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imminent threat" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a danger that is likely to occur very soon. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted in written English. Its use spans across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. When using this phrase, make sure to provide a clear context to specify what the threat is and who or what is being threatened. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overuse without specific details to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "immediate danger" or "impending peril" can be used to convey similar meanings. The phrase's frequent occurrence in reputable sources underscores its validity and usefulness in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate danger

Focuses on the immediacy and presence of the danger, potentially highlighting a more acute situation.

impending peril

Emphasizes the threatening nature of the situation and its potential for harm, using a more formal tone.

approaching risk

Highlights the risk aspect and its progression towards becoming a reality.

looming menace

Conveys a sense of something dark and foreboding that is about to happen.

proximate danger

Stresses the nearness and closeness of the danger, indicating it's nearby in time or space.

forthcoming danger

Suggests that the danger is scheduled to arrive or is certainly on its way.

oncoming hazard

Focuses on the aspect of something hazardous that is advancing or approaching.

brewing crisis

Implies that the threat is developing and intensifying, ready to erupt into a full-blown crisis.

gathering storm

Uses a metaphor to depict a situation that is becoming increasingly dangerous and threatening.

developing threat

Highlights the evolving nature of the threat, suggesting it is still in the process of becoming fully realized.

FAQs

How is "imminent threat" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "imminent threat" is typically used to describe a danger that is likely to happen very soon. For example, "The approaching hurricane posed an "imminent threat" to the coastal city".

What are some alternatives to "imminent threat"?

Some alternatives include "immediate danger", "impending peril", or "approaching risk". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "imminent threat" stronger or weaker than "potential threat"?

"Imminent threat" is much stronger, implying that the threat is about to materialize. "Potential threat" suggests a possibility that may or may not develop into a real danger.

Can "imminent threat" be used to describe non-physical dangers?

Yes, "imminent threat" can describe non-physical dangers such as economic collapse or data breaches, as long as the danger is perceived as being close to occurring. For example, "The company faced an "imminent threat" of bankruptcy if they didn't secure new funding".