modest threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modest threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or entity that poses a low level of danger or risk. Example: "While the storm is approaching, it is expected to be a modest threat to the coastal areas, with minimal damage anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Clark Chapman, an astronomer of the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, denounced Teller's proposals as "radically more expensive and dangerous than the modest threat they would address"... Teller is arguably the least popular eminent physicist in America.

The New Yorker

While Jackson is a more modest threat than, say, Vick Jacksonon has rushed 13 times for 61 yards and has a quarterback rating of 80.0 — the Giants elevate his status, at least mentally.

The New York Times - Sports

But why? Islamic terrorism poses a modest threat in the scheme of things, and military campaigns are not effective in diminishing it further.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

His acceptance speech was long on defending his own modest initiatives against the threat of "big tobacco, big oil, the big polluters, the pharmaceutical companies, the H.M.O.'s".

The New York Times

Robert D. Arnott, chairman of the asset management firm Research Affiliates in Newport Beach, Calif., said that while a brief bout of modest deflation was a threat in the short run, inflation — or rising prices that eat away at consumers' purchasing power — remained the bigger long-term menace.

The New York Times

Winifred's more modest ambitions were no threat to his own work, yet it was she, living in Paris, who became friends with Mondrian and the artists of the avant-garde who had provided confirmation of the path his art was to follow.

The Guardian - Books

In a reporter's taped interview that was played during the Hutton inquiry, David Kelly explained that these analysts were less worried about Iraq's current capabilities, which they believed to be modest, than about the threat that Saddam's regime might someday represent.

The New Yorker

New intelligence, he said, had made Tehran's more modest accomplishments the more pressing threat.

The New York Times - Science

Ice Age: Collision Course played previews at the weekend, but does not appear to have posed much threat, given Pets' modest decline.

The Guardian - Film

A drop in home prices, which have continued to rise over the last 18 months, would be one of the biggest threats to the modest recovery.

The New York Times

Researchers should soon know whether they can agree on a modest boost to the meteoric blast threat.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest threat", ensure the context clarifies what is being compared against. For example, a "modest threat" compared to a larger, more immediate one.

Common error

Avoid using "modest threat" when the situation involves significant or widespread danger. Overstating the threat contradicts the meaning and misleads the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest threat" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "modest" modifies the noun "threat". It describes a situation or entity posing a limited or small degree of danger. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest threat" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that poses a low level of danger or risk. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to downplay potential harm, often appearing in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, understanding its nuances ensures precise communication, avoiding overstatement or exaggeration in describing situations. When using "modest threat", consider alternatives like "minor risk" or "slight concern" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor risk

Emphasizes the potential harm is small or insignificant.

limited danger

Highlights the constraints on the hazard's scope or impact.

slight concern

Focuses on the worry caused, which is mild.

minimal hazard

Underscores the hazard's insignificance.

small peril

Indicates the danger is not substantial.

low-level threat

Specifically quantifies the danger as being on the lower end of the scale.

reduced risk

Highlights the risk has been diminished or lessened.

tame threat

Suggests the threat is controlled or subdued.

manageable risk

Focuses on the capacity to handle the potential negative outcomes.

contained danger

Implies the danger is not spreading or escalating.

FAQs

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

You can use "modest threat" to describe something that poses a small or limited risk. For example, "The approaching storm is considered a "modest threat" to the coastal areas."

What are some alternatives to "modest threat"?

Alternatives to "modest threat" include "minor risk", "slight concern", or "limited danger".

Is it correct to say "a modest threat"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use the article "a" before "modest threat". It follows standard English grammar rules for singular, countable nouns.

What is the difference between "modest threat" and "serious threat"?

"Modest threat" implies a low level of danger or risk, while "serious threat" suggests a significant and potentially harmful situation.