significant threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant threat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a danger or risk that is considerable in magnitude or importance. Example: "The recent cyber attacks pose a significant threat to national security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

These measures posed a significant threat to Branson's profit margins.

The Guardian

Other airline alliances said they saw little significant threat.

The New York Times

The reality is we're facing a significant threat of closure".

The Guardian

Dr. Tiller did not perceive any significant threat.

The New York Times

"The iPhone 6 will be a significant threat to Samsung".

The Guardian - Tech

Four brothers from the most significant threat to Saleh's rule.

The Guardian

This industry-wide improvement is a significant threat to Toyota.

The New York Times

Mr. Whiteford said that Mr. Tilton's comments could pose a significant threat to employee morale.

The New York Times

The wrecking of the MV Oliva, therefore, posed a significant threat to them.

The Guardian

Mr. Zandi considers it to be "the most significant threat to the global expansion".

The New York Times

Species facing a significant threat are classified as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and adjust the intensity of the language accordingly. While "significant threat" is generally appropriate, more formal or urgent situations might warrant stronger terms like "grave peril".

Common error

Avoid using "significant threat" when the danger is minimal or hypothetical. Overusing such strong language can diminish its impact and credibility when describing genuinely serious risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant threat" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., poses, represents) or following a preposition (e.g., to). Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant threat" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a considerable danger or risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business communications. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to maximizing its impact. While generally appropriate, consider stronger language for situations demanding heightened urgency. Remember, avoiding overuse maintains the phrase's potency. Alternatives such as "serious risk" or "considerable danger" can provide nuanced options, depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable danger

Replaces "significant threat" with a focus on the magnitude of the danger, emphasizing the extent of the potential harm.

serious risk

Substitutes "threat" with "risk", highlighting the probability of an undesirable outcome rather than the menacing nature.

major hazard

Replaces both words with synonyms emphasizing a source of potential harm or difficulty.

grave peril

Uses stronger language to amplify the sense of danger, suggesting a severe and imminent risk.

substantial menace

Emphasizes the threatening quality and size of the danger, making it feel more imposing.

notable risk factor

Highlights the contribution of the element to a potential negative event. Usefull to emphasize how a factor is relevant to the risk.

pronounced vulnerability

Shifts focus from the threat itself to the weakness or susceptibility it exploits. Useful to highlight that element.

pressing concern

Downplays the intensity of the danger and focuses on the urgency or importance of addressing it.

real source of alarm

Replaces "threat" with "source of alarm", emphasizing the emotional response that the situation causes.

critical issue

Substitutes "threat" with issue, deemphasizing the direct danger but keeping focus on importance.

FAQs

What does "significant threat" mean?

The phrase "significant threat" refers to a danger or risk that is considerable in magnitude or importance. It suggests that the potential harm is substantial and warrants attention.

How to use "significant threat" in a sentence?

You can use "significant threat" to describe a variety of dangers. For example: "Climate change poses a "significant threat" to coastal communities."

What can I say instead of "significant threat"?

You can use alternatives like "serious risk", "major hazard", or "considerable danger" depending on the specific context.

Is "significant threat" the same as "serious threat"?

While similar, "significant threat" emphasizes the magnitude or importance of the danger, while "serious threat" highlights the severity of the potential consequences. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.