serious threat

USAGE SUMMARY

"serious threat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation that could potentially cause significant harm or damage, either physical or emotional. For example: "The government warned of serious threats to national security if the deal was not passed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Assassinations remain a serious threat.

The New York Times

No one else was a serious threat.

The New York Times - Sports

This is the most serious threat.

The New York Times

But Tsonga poses a serious threat.

The New York Times

Consequently, poverty was never a serious threat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a serious threat.

The Guardian

PCB's are a serious threat.

The New York Times

They are still a serious threat, though.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's a serious threat," one official said.

The New York Times

A strike is a serious threat.

The Guardian - Money

But he is not a serious threat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious threat" when you want to convey a sense of urgency and importance, but avoid overuse to prevent diminishing its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "serious threat" for minor inconveniences or exaggerated situations. Doing so dilutes the phrase's meaning and can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious threat" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "threat". It highlights the gravity or intensity of the threat being discussed. Ludwig examples demonstrate usage in contexts ranging from security to health.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious threat" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations posing significant risk or danger. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its relevance across diverse fields. Related phrases include "grave danger" and "significant risk", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When employing this phrase, it's important to provide context to clarify the nature and scope of the threat. Avoid exaggerating minor issues with this term to maintain its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe menace

Synonymous, using "menace" instead of "threat".

grave danger

Changes from a threat to a state of being in danger.

significant risk

Replaces "threat" with "risk", emphasizing the probability of harm.

substantial danger

Changes from a threat to a state of being in danger using substantial instead of serious.

dire risk

Similar to "significant risk", but emphasizes the urgency of the risk.

major hazard

Substitutes "threat" with "hazard", highlighting a source of potential danger.

pressing danger

Shifts focus to the immediacy and urgency of the danger.

acute peril

Replaces "serious" with "acute" and "threat" with "peril", increasing the intensity of danger.

alarming hazard

Emphasizes the startling nature of the hazard.

critical concern

Shifts focus from danger to something that causes worry.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious threat" to describe anything that poses a significant risk or danger. For example: "Climate change is a "serious threat" to coastal communities."

What are some alternatives to "serious threat"?

Alternatives include "grave danger", "significant risk", or "major hazard". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "serious threat" or "major threat"?

Both "serious threat" and "major threat" are acceptable, but "serious threat" may convey a slightly more urgent or concerning situation. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What kind of things can be described as a "serious threat"?

A wide range of things can be a "serious threat", including environmental issues, security breaches, health crises, and economic downturns. Essentially, anything that poses a significant risk of harm or damage can be described this way.