seriously threatened

USAGE SUMMARY

"seriously threatened" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing something that has been put in serious danger or is at risk of not happening. For example: "The government's plans for infrastructure reform have been seriously threatened by public opposition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Miami never seriously threatened.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now it is seriously threatened.

The New York Times

Texas A&M was not seriously threatened again.

The New York Times - Sports

Their political hegemony was not seriously threatened.

The Guardian

She was never seriously threatened thereafter.

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise, she has not seriously threatened her.

The New York Times - Sports

But Nadal held, and Berdych never again seriously threatened.

The New York Times - Sports

The Sun Devils never seriously threatened after halftime.

The New York Times - Sports

But, after Beattie had replaced Maloney, Celtic wereagain seriously threatened.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet it has never been seriously threatened with change.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the lake itself is seriously threatened by pollution.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about environmental issues, use "seriously threatened" to convey the urgency of conservation efforts. It emphasizes the immediate need for action to protect vulnerable species or ecosystems.

Common error

Avoid using "seriously threatened" excessively in contexts where the threat is exaggerated or unsubstantiated. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seriously threatened" functions as a past participle adjective phrase, often modifying a noun to indicate that it is at significant risk or in danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase adheres to standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seriously threatened" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe something facing significant risk or danger. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and its prevalence across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance. It is often used in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts to highlight the severity of a situation and urge attention or intervention. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the threat is genuine and substantiated, avoiding sensationalism. Alternatives such as "gravely endangered" or "critically imperiled" can offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gravely endangered

Emphasizes the severity of the threat by using "gravely" to highlight the seriousness of the situation, implying a high risk of extinction or demise.

critically imperiled

Highlights the urgency and criticality of the threat, suggesting that immediate action is needed to prevent a dire outcome.

severely imperiled

Focuses on the intensity of the threat using "severely", suggesting a strong negative impact and high vulnerability.

at great risk

Broadly indicates a significant level of danger or exposure to harm, suitable for various contexts.

in grave danger

Stresses the seriousness and potential for a negative outcome, emphasizing the severity of the threat.

facing extinction

Specifically indicates that the subject is at risk of disappearing entirely, particularly in biological contexts.

highly vulnerable

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or negative impact, highlighting the weakness of the subject in the face of a threat.

in serious jeopardy

Highlights the precariousness of the situation, suggesting that significant harm or loss is imminent.

under severe threat

Focuses on the external pressure or danger, indicating that the subject is being actively endangered.

under considerable pressure

Suggests significant strain or difficulty, which may lead to negative consequences if not addressed.

FAQs

How can I use "seriously threatened" in a sentence?

You can use "seriously threatened" to describe something at significant risk. For example, "The coral reefs are "seriously threatened" by rising ocean temperatures".

What are some alternatives to "seriously threatened"?

Alternatives include "gravely endangered", "critically imperiled", or "at great risk", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "seriously threaten" instead of "seriously threatened"?

"Seriously threaten" is a verb phrase, indicating the act of posing a serious threat. "Seriously threatened" is a passive adjective phrase, describing something that is under serious threat. For example: "Climate change will "seriously threaten" coastal communities" versus "Coastal communities are "seriously threatened" by climate change".

What does it mean when something is described as "seriously threatened"?

When something is "seriously threatened", it means that it faces a significant danger or risk of harm, decline, or extinction. The level of threat is high, requiring attention and potential intervention.