received threats

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "received threats" is commonly used in written English and is grammatically correct.
It refers to someone receiving communication or messages that contain threats or warnings. Example: After reporting the corruption, the whistleblower received threats from powerful individuals in the organization.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I, personally, received threats.

The Guardian

Luis Ángel received threats.

The New Yorker

Theoharis even received threats.

The Guardian

Kendall Woolman's family said they received threats.

The New York Times

"We have received threats but nothing happened".

The New York Times

He said Mr Raad had received threats.

The Guardian

Some of these M.P.s subsequently received threats.

The New Yorker

One candidate even received threats, Reuters reported.

The New York Times

"Other families we know received threats, but not us".

The New York Times

He received threats, and his car was sabotaged.

The New Yorker

She has also received threats by phone and e-mail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "received threats", consider specifying the source or nature of the threats to provide more context and clarity to the reader. For instance, mention whether the threats were anonymous, verbal, or written.

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive voice with "received threats" as it can obscure who is issuing the threats. Whenever possible, rephrase to use active voice to identify the source of the threats for greater impact and transparency. For example, instead of "threats were received", consider "the company received threats".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "received threats" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that someone or something was the recipient of threatening communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples in Ludwig show a wide array of subjects who might receive threats, from shopkeepers to politicians.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "received threats" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where someone has been subjected to intimidation. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical validity, and Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, it carries a serious connotation, indicating potential danger. When employing this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the source or nature of the threats. Consider alternatives like "faced threats" or "were threatened" for nuanced expression. Be aware of the common error of overuse passive voice without an identified actor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were threatened

This alternative uses the passive voice to emphasize the state of being threatened rather than the action of receiving threats.

faced threats

This emphasizes the confrontation with the threats and the resilience required to deal with them.

were subjected to threats

This highlights the imposition of threats upon the individual, suggesting a more forceful or systematic targeting.

encountered threats

Suggests that the threats were discovered or came across unexpectedly.

experienced intimidation

Shifts the focus to the feeling of intimidation, which may or may not involve explicit threats.

were menaced

Emphasizes the feeling of being endangered and potentially harmed by a threatening presence.

were given warnings

Focuses on the cautionary aspect, implying a chance to avoid danger if heeded.

were sent threatening messages

This emphasizes the act of sending the threats and the medium through which they were delivered.

were under threat

This phrase focuses on the state of being in danger or at risk.

were targets of threats

Highlights that the person or entity was specifically chosen to be threatened.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "received threats"?

Alternatives include "faced threats", "were threatened", or "were subjected to threats". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "received threats"?

While both active and passive voice can be grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "The company received threats") can provide more clarity by identifying who issued the threats. The passive voice (e.g., "Threats were received") is appropriate when the source of the threats is unknown or irrelevant.

How does the context affect the interpretation of "received threats"?

The context determines the seriousness and implications of the phrase. For instance, "received threats" in a political context might suggest organized intimidation, while in a personal context, it could indicate harassment or stalking. Always consider the surrounding information to understand the full scope of the situation.

What kind of threats are implied when someone is said to have "received threats"?

The phrase "received threats" doesn't specify the type of threat. It could range from verbal intimidation and online harassment to explicit death threats. The specific nature of the threats needs to be clarified for a complete understanding.