tangible threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tangible threat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a realistic and present danger that can be seen or felt. For example, "We face a tangible threat to our security if we don't take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But not everyone feels that this is a tangible threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Until we're convinced that either poses a tangible threat, we want both to survive untrammelled.

The Guardian - Film

It poses a tangible threat to centralised banking and the guardians of fiat money.

The Guardian - Business

"This is a tangible threat to the Jewish and democratic character of the State of Israel," he said.

The New York Times

Beyond the basic question of who will take up the plow, some Thais see a more immediate but less tangible threat to the society as a whole.

The New York Times

Two months earlier, the spooks had said that there was "no suggestion of a current tangible threat to UK rail or underground".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

How do the subtle changes in behavior that I am studying stack up against the tangible threats of vessel strikes and entanglement?

The New York Times

As the orbital debris population continues to grow significant tangible threats to robotic and crewed spacecraft have risen greatly over the last decade.

Procedia Engineering

Shortly before West African leaders held out the possible use of force in an emergency meeting on Friday, Mr. Gbagbo began facing other tangible threats from the countries around him.

The New York Times

Emails contained "veiled threats against my wife," and other "tangible threats," Emanuel, a highly-regarded atmospheric scientist and director of M.I.T.'s Atmospheres, Oceans and Climate program, said in an interview.

The Guardian

Western millennials have not experienced any tangible threats of war.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangible threat" when you want to emphasize that a threat is not just theoretical but real and can be observed or felt. This phrase is especially effective in contexts where you need to persuade people to take action.

Common error

Avoid using "tangible threat" when discussing abstract or intangible issues. The phrase works best when the threat is clearly defined and has a physical or observable component. For abstract concerns, consider using terms like "potential challenge" or "emerging issue" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangible threat" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "tangible" modifies the noun "threat". This combination serves to specify the nature of the threat as being real and perceptible, rather than abstract or hypothetical. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

17%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tangible threat" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that serves to emphasize the reality and immediacy of a danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across multiple domains, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. The linguistic analysis reveals its function as a noun phrase designed to persuade and raise awareness. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where the threat is clearly defined and observable, rather than abstract. Alternatives like "real menace" or "genuine risk" can offer nuanced substitutes, but "tangible threat" remains a powerful tool for conveying urgency and prompting action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concrete danger

Replaces "threat" with "danger", emphasizing the real and immediate risk.

real menace

Uses "menace" to highlight a more serious and imminent danger.

genuine risk

Substitutes "threat" with "risk", focusing on the probability of harm.

visible peril

Replaces "tangible" with "visible" and "threat" with "peril", emphasizing the obvious and severe nature of the danger.

substantial hazard

Uses "hazard" instead of "threat", focusing on the potential source of danger.

demonstrable danger

Highlights that the danger can be clearly shown or proven.

palpable risk

Emphasizes the ease with which the risk can be perceived or felt.

identifiable danger

Focuses on the clarity and ease of identifying the source of danger.

actual risk

Directly indicates that the risk is not merely theoretical but presently exists.

serious danger

Emphasizes the gravity of the danger, indicating potentially severe consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "tangible threat" to describe a risk that is real and immediate, such as "The approaching hurricane poses a "tangible threat" to coastal communities" or "Cyberattacks represent a "tangible threat" to national security".

What are some alternatives to "tangible threat"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives to "tangible threat" could include "real danger", "genuine risk", or "concrete danger". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very tangible threat"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "very" with "tangible threat" can be redundant. "Tangible" already implies something that is real and perceptible. Consider using stronger alternatives to "threat" if you want to emphasize the severity.

What's the difference between "tangible threat" and "potential threat"?

A "potential threat" is something that could possibly happen in the future, whereas a "tangible threat" is a danger that is real, present, and can be observed or felt. A "tangible threat" requires more immediate attention because it's already impacting the situation.