issue a threat

USAGE SUMMARY

'issue a threat' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has warned another person of an unpleasant consequence if a certain action is taken. Example: He issued a threat that he would sue if she did not return his belongings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Why did NatWest issue a threat to Russia's RT news channel?

The Guardian

Mr. Trump accused the judge of bias, falsely said he was Mexican and seemed to issue a threat.

The New York Times

On the other hand, an organization that has to issue a "threat" to ensure that work is completed operates out of fear.

The New York Times

George Osborne has been sent to Edinburgh wearing the knuckle dusters to issue a threat: if Scotland votes for independence, it won't be allowed to keep the pound.

The Guardian

The deportations prompted a terrorist group in Cairo, Islamic Jihad, to issue a threat this month to attack American targets abroad.

The New York Times

To issue a threat successfully, make sure it is credible, be prepared to follow through on it, and deliver it when you are in a calm state of mind.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Egyptian officials, who view Iran with deep wariness, privately issued a threat.

The New York Times

'The Ayatollah Khomeini has issued a threat to kill my husband.

The Guardian - Books

It was pulled last week after GOP issued a threat against cinema goers.

The Guardian - Film

Conscious of his clout, Mr Shiu issued a threat this week when he announced his own candidacy for Legco.

The Economist

When someone issues a threat or an ultimatum in negotiation, take a step back and diagnose the problem.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "issue a threat", ensure you clearly define the consequences being threatened to maintain credibility and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "issue a threat" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make the tone aggressive. Consider using softer alternatives like "warn" or "advise" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue a threat" functions as a verb phrase, where "issue" acts as a transitive verb taking "a threat" as its direct object. It indicates the performance of an action – the act of communicating a warning of potential harm or negative consequences. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "issue a threat" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the act of formally communicating a warning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently encountered in news and media and academic contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the consequences being threatened. While acceptable, avoid overusing "issue a threat" in formal writing; consider alternatives like "warn" or "advise" depending on the context to avoid an overly aggressive tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a threat

Focuses on the act of creating a threat, rather than the formal act of issuing it.

deliver a threat

Emphasizes the communication and conveyance of the threat.

utter a threat

Stresses the verbal expression of the threat.

level a threat

Implies directing the threat at a specific target.

give an ultimatum

Puts more emphasis on the conditionality and finality of the warning.

send a warning

Highlights the cautionary aspect of the message.

intimidate someone

Focuses on the effect of the threat on the recipient.

menace

A shorter, more direct way to express a threat.

declare hostilities

Implies the start of an open conflict through a threat.

forewarn

Focuses on warning about something beforehand.

FAQs

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

You can use "issue a threat" to describe the act of delivering a warning about potential harm or negative consequences. For example: "The company issued a threat of legal action if the terms were not met."

What can I say instead of "issue a threat"?

You can use alternatives like "make a threat", "deliver a threat", or "give an ultimatum" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "issue a threat" or "make a threat"?

"Issue a threat" often implies a more formal or official declaration of potential consequences, while "make a threat" can be more general and informal. The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to "issue a threat"?

It's appropriate to "issue a threat" when you need to clearly communicate the potential negative outcomes of someone's actions, usually to deter them from proceeding. However, consider whether less confrontational approaches might be more effective.