mere threat of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere threat of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the possibility of something happening is considered without any actual action taking place. Example: "The mere threat of legal action was enough to persuade the company to settle the dispute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They caved in to the mere threat of Republican filibusters.

The New York Times

Nevertheless the mere threat of a bid had greatly improved the firm's management.

Independent

And even the mere threat of such legislation might induce a settlement.

The New York Times

The mere threat of being mobile made him more difficult to defend.

The New York Times - Sports

The mere threat of encirclement, the army claims, frightened militants out of Mingora.

The Economist

The mere threat of it heaps more pressure on New Komeito.

The Economist

The mere threat of such a penalty is often enough to get states to comply.

The New York Times

He'd fought in Vietnam, and wasn't scared by the mere threat of electrocution.

The Economist

Newton's running - along with the mere threat of his running - has been a big reason.

The New York Times

The mere threat of a negative blue slip deterred the White House from selecting a nominee.

The Washington Post

For some, the mere threat of a takeover is enough to ensure that managers maximize profits.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "mere threat of" to emphasize that even the possibility of something negative occurring can have a significant impact on decisions or behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "mere threat of" when the threat has already materialized or when its consequences are already being felt. The phrase works best when the threat remains only a possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere threat of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights that even the possibility of something occurring can be influential. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and widely used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mere threat of" is a powerful tool in the English language, used to emphasize that the potential for something to occur can be just as influential as the actual event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. As seen in various contexts, from news articles to academic papers, the phrase highlights how anticipation shapes decisions and outcomes. Remember to use it when the threat is still a possibility, and consider alternatives like "simple threat of" or "just the threat of" for subtle variations in meaning. This phrase is valuable for nuanced communication, emphasizing the power of what could be.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple threat of

Replaces "mere" with "simple", emphasizing the basic nature of the threat.

just the threat of

Substitutes "mere" with "just", highlighting that only the threat, and not the action, is present.

the risk alone of

Shifts focus to the potential danger implied, using "risk" instead of "threat".

the possibility of

Emphasizes the chance of something happening, rather than the menacing nature.

the potential for

Highlights the latent capacity for something undesirable to occur.

the very idea of

Focuses on the concept or notion of a threat, rather than its immediate imminence.

the specter of

Implies a haunting or disturbing potential event, adding a sense of unease.

the shadow of

Suggests an impending or looming negative outcome.

the warning of

Emphasizes the cautionary aspect of the impending event.

the intimation of

Highlights a subtle or indirect communication of a potential threat.

FAQs

How can I use "mere threat of" in a sentence?

You can use "mere threat of" to emphasize that even the possibility of something happening can have a significant impact, as in "The "mere threat of" a strike led to a swift resolution".

What phrases are similar to "mere threat of"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "simple threat of", "just the threat of", or "the possibility of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "mere threat of" or "real threat of"?

The choice depends on the context. "Mere threat of" implies that the possibility itself is influential, while "real threat of" suggests an actual and imminent danger.

Can "mere threat of" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""mere threat of"" is appropriate for formal writing. Its use is well-documented in academic and journalistic contexts.