make a threat

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a threat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a person who is speaking or acting in a menacing way, usually intending to scare or intimidate someone else. For example: "The robber made a threat to the teller, demanding that they give him access to the safe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

One in every two domestic stalkers, if they make a threat, will act on it.

The Guardian - Opinion

To accidentally appear to make a threat once is certainly unfortunate.

The Guardian - Sport

Some of the men wanted help while others were calling to make a threat.

The Guardian

A reliable rule of thumb is never to make a threat that you did not plan in advance.

Harvard University

Anyway, C's cousin says her cornerstone is never to make a threat you're not prepared to carry out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To this day, when someone wants to make a threat here, why do they invoke the name of Martínez?" -- the author of the Matanza.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

I'm not making a threat.

The New York Times

Is he making a threat?

The Guardian - Books

"In no way was I making a threat".

The New York Times

"And when he makes a threat, it counts".

The New York Times

If you anticipate him making a threat, consider what the threat might suggest about what he values, says Neale.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a threat", ensure the context clearly indicates the seriousness of the threat. Avoid using it casually, as threats have legal and social implications.

Common error

Be careful not to use "make a threat" when you mean to issue a warning. A warning alerts someone to a potential danger, whereas a threat expresses an intention to cause harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a threat" functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate, indicating the action of expressing an intent to cause harm or damage. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. The examples show how it's used in news and legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a threat" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the action of expressing an intention to cause harm or damage. As noted by Ludwig, it is usable in written English across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, its neutral register makes it suitable for serious discussions about intimidation and coercion. Related phrases like "issue a threat" and "deliver a threat" offer nuanced alternatives, while understanding the distinction between threats and warnings is crucial for precise communication. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the serious implications associated with threats in both legal and social contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issue a threat

Focuses on the act of formally or explicitly delivering a threatening statement.

utter a threat

Emphasizes the verbal expression of a threatening message.

deliver a threat

Highlights the action of conveying the threatening message.

express a threat

Focuses on communicating the threatening intention.

convey a threat

Highlights the communication of a threat, often indirectly.

level a threat

Emphasizes directing or aiming the threat at someone specifically.

voice a threat

Stresses the open articulation of a threat.

signal a threat

Suggests a less direct, more subtle indication of a threat.

imply a threat

Focuses on hinting at or suggesting a threat without stating it directly.

pose a threat

Shifts the focus to the existence of something dangerous or menacing, rather than the act of threatening.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a threat" to describe the act of expressing an intention to harm someone, for example: "The suspect "made a threat" against the witness."

What is a less direct way to say "make a threat"?

Alternatives to "make a threat" include "imply a threat", which means to hint at a threat without stating it directly, or "signal a threat" which indicates a more subtle warning.

Is it correct to say "issue a threat" instead of "make a threat"?

Yes, "issue a threat" is a valid alternative. It emphasizes the formal or explicit delivery of a threatening statement.

What's the difference between "make a threat" and "pose a threat"?

"Make a threat" describes the act of expressing an intention to cause harm, while "pose a threat" refers to something or someone presenting a danger or risk.