impending threat

USAGE SUMMARY

"impending threat" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, you would use "impending threat" to signify a danger that is close or likely to happen soon. For example, "The looming rain clouds provided an impending threat of a storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Celeste Hicks spoke to Keith Cressman, FAO's senior locust forecasting officer, about the impending threat.

The Guardian

But even with the impending threat of Y2K looming at the time, the world was not ready to change.

The Guardian - Music

Because of the impending threat from the north, Jeremiah warned the people to flee from the wrath that was to come.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An impending threat to the group may provoke display behaviour that is protective, signaling danger at the approach of a predator.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But they appeared to contradict pronouncements from senior law enforcement officials, including Attorney General John Ashcroft, of an impending threat of domestic terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

The Infinite Comic, written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Stuart Immonen, chronicles the journey of the hero Nova from outer space to Earth to warn the Avengers of an impending threat, setting up the print narrative.

The New York Times - Tech

There could be a dramatic reduction in grassroots participation if parents fear exposing their children to a game that – at the highest level – offers such impending threat to life or limb (see Welsh and Irish treatments rooms this tournament).

Independent

The pharmaceutical sector saw its share of mergers driven in part by drugmaker concerns about dwindling pipelines of new products and the impending threat of many top-selling drugs' going generic in the 2010s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We identify the rivers that we think are of national significance, that have a serious and impending threat to them, and, most importantly, face some decision or action in coming months that will determine its fate.

The New York Times

AMERICAN inflation, which has seemed to some conservative economists to be an impending threat ever since the Federal Reserve began to buy large quantities of government securities, appears to be falling to levels lower than any seen in recent years.

The New York Times

In late 2004, 10 people were killed in Dar es Salaam by the Indian Ocean tsunami; the government was criticized for not doing enough to warn the public about the impending threat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impending threat" to convey a sense of urgency and immediacy, highlighting that the danger is not distant but close at hand.

Common error

While "impending threat" effectively conveys urgency, avoid overusing it in contexts where the danger is not genuinely immediate or significant, as this can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impending threat" functions as a noun phrase, where "impending" modifies "threat". It describes a specific type of danger that is about to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from natural disasters to political situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

19%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impending threat" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a danger that is about to occur. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase effectively communicates urgency and immediacy. The analysis of various sources indicates its frequent use in news, encyclopedias, and other formal contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "approaching danger" or "looming menace" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context. Proper understanding and application of this phrase can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching danger

Changes "threat" to "danger", focusing on the potential harm coming closer.

looming menace

Substitutes "threat" with "menace", emphasizing a perceived evil or harm that is about to happen.

imminent peril

Replaces "threat" with "peril", suggesting a grave and immediate risk.

forthcoming risk

Changes both words to synonyms, indicating a danger that is about to occur.

near disaster

Emphasizes the potential catastrophic outcome, rather than just the threat.

impending doom

Replaces "threat" with "doom", suggesting an unavoidable and negative event.

coming crisis

Shifts focus to a critical event that is about to occur.

gathering storm

Uses a metaphorical expression to denote a threat that is intensifying and approaching.

shadow of danger

Presents the threat as something dark and ominous that is affecting a situation.

brewing trouble

Suggests that a negative situation is developing and about to erupt.

FAQs

How can I use "impending threat" in a sentence?

You can use "impending threat" to describe situations where danger is imminent. For example, "The "impending threat of the hurricane" caused widespread evacuations."

What are some synonyms for "impending threat"?

Alternatives include "approaching danger", "looming menace", or "imminent peril", each conveying a similar sense of immediate risk.

Is it better to say "impending threat" or "future threat"?

"Impending threat" suggests a danger that is much closer and more immediate than a "future threat". The choice depends on how close the threat is to materializing.

What's the difference between "impending threat" and "looming threat"?

Both phrases are similar, but "impending threat" often suggests a more immediate and certain danger, while "looming threat" implies a danger that is becoming increasingly prominent and concerning.