sense of menace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of menace" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe a feeling or atmosphere of fear or danger. For example: "As I walked down the dark alley, I felt a strong sense of menace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She isn't afraid, but a sense of menace looms.

The New York Times

The sense of menace in the air was inescapable.

Independent

There is an indefinable sense of menace and loss.

The Guardian

The sense of menace, however, was exactly the same.

The New York Times

This sense of "menace" is also well-handled.

The Guardian - Books

Stockholm is filled, naturally, with a sense of menace.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The spinning-wheel on which Sleeping Beauty pricks her finger may exemplify this sense of menace.

The New York Times

A sense of menace hangs over this entire area, even the government-controlled outposts.

The New York Times

KINSHASA, Congo — A sense of menace hangs over the long, dirty boulevards of this African metropolis.

The New York Times

As he waited with his class in the parking lot, his sense of menace deepened.

The New Yorker

"He brings in a sense of menace, an underlying sense of danger, to the role".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "sense of menace" to create an atmosphere. This phrase can give the readers an emotional response of what is happening, without being obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of menace" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact and become repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or descriptive details to convey the feeling of impending danger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of menace" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a feeling or awareness of impending danger or threat, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe a feeling or atmosphere of fear or danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of menace" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that evokes a feeling of impending danger or threat. According to Ludwig, its intended use is to describe a feeling or atmosphere of fear or danger. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase is useful for creating suspense and foreshadowing negative events. While versatile, avoiding overuse and using diverse language to convey similar feelings is recommended. Consider alternatives such as ""feeling of foreboding"" or "atmosphere of threat" to maintain writing impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of foreboding

Focuses on a premonition of something bad to come.

atmosphere of threat

Emphasizes the surrounding environment as the source of the menace.

air of danger

Highlights the immediate presence of potential harm.

aura of menace

Suggests a pervasive and intangible quality of threat.

feeling of unease

Indicates a general discomfort and anxiety.

climate of fear

Implies a widespread and sustained state of apprehension.

suspicion of danger

Focuses on the belief that harm may be present.

threat in the air

Highlights the feeling that something dangerous is about to happen.

impending doom

Focuses on the idea that certain destruction is coming.

foreboding atmosphere

Stresses the ominous nature of the environment.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sense of menace" in a sentence?

Use "sense of menace" to describe an atmosphere, a feeling, or a premonition of impending danger. For example, "A "feeling of foreboding" hung in the air as the storm approached".

What are some alternatives to "sense of menace"?

You can use alternatives like ""feeling of foreboding"", "atmosphere of threat", or "air of danger" depending on the specific context.

Is "sense of menace" formal or informal language?

"Sense of menace" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in descriptive writing and news reports.

Can "sense of menace" be used to describe a person?

While "sense of menace" typically describes an atmosphere or situation, it can be used to describe a person who exudes a threatening or intimidating presence. For instance, "He had a distinct "aura of menace" about him".