threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'threat' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is likely to cause harm or danger. For example, "The storms posed a threat to the coastal towns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a development could pose a new threat to the isolated country's neighbours and the United States.

The Guardian

"We are concerned that this development may have an increasingly negative impact on the threat situation in Norway".

The New York Times

Jonathan was due to fly to Paris on Friday for a summit hosted by François Hollande, the French president, to discuss the security threat posed by Boko Haram.

The Guardian

The US state department later described a "specific and immediate threat".

The Guardian

The public health community has an important role to play in demonstrating the magnitude of tobacco's threat to public health and calling on governments to strip away the trademark protections, rights to sue and opportunities to lobby that big tobacco uses to bully public representatives.

The Guardian

Senator Ted Cruz is the biggest threat to business as usual in Washington in the last 25 years – and that is a great thing for America.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Iran enters a critical period in its history, with elections in June, sanctions biting and the increasing threat of an Israeli attack, the Guardian has formed a partnership with the award-winning Tehran Bureau to open a window on life in the Islamic republic.

The Guardian

We are now consulting regarding potential legal action and hoping against hope that the 12 libraries being thrown over to the community with the threat of volunteer-or-lose-it, will survive long enough for the future council members to realise their costly error and resume running this vital social and educational service.

The Guardian - Books

While Shropshire wasn't under threat, I was making a point – if we don't continue to use it, it would be under threat next year.

The Guardian - Books

We keep the campaign going so that we are always at the ready for any future threat.

The Guardian - Books

This indirect electoral maths suggests that Ukip's outsize influence on the national debate (relative to their parliamentary presence) could be set to continue as the major parties seek to fend off the threat in their key marginal constituencies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potential dangers, use "threat" to clearly convey the possibility of harm or negative consequences. Be specific about what the "threat" entails to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "threat" without specifying what is being threatened. Providing context helps readers understand the significance and scope of the danger. Always describe the target or scope of the "threat" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "threat" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a potential danger, harm, or negative consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "threat" is a very common noun used to describe a potential danger or harm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. As highlighted by the numerous examples, "threat" frequently appears in news and media contexts, conveying warnings or expressing concerns about various issues. When using "threat", it is best practice to provide specific context to clarify the nature and scope of the potential danger. Related terms include "imminent danger" and "potential hazard", offering alternative ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imminent danger

Focuses on the closeness and certainty of the danger.

potential hazard

Highlights the possibility of harm or danger.

impending risk

Emphasizes the upcoming nature of the risk.

looming menace

Conveys a sense of foreboding and impending doom.

possible peril

Stresses the chance of encountering danger.

source of alarm

Highlights something that causes fear or worry.

cause for concern

Indicates something that warrants attention due to potential negative outcomes.

present danger

Focuses on the current existence of a dangerous condition.

rising tide of

Used to describe a rapidly increasing issue or danger.

gathering storm

Suggests a situation is worsening and may soon become dangerous.

FAQs

How can I use "threat" in a sentence?

You can use "threat" to describe a potential danger or harm. For example, "Climate change poses a significant "threat" to coastal communities".

What are some synonyms for "threat"?

Alternatives to "threat" include "danger", "menace", "hazard", and "risk". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is described as a "threat"?

When something is described as a "threat", it means it presents a potential danger or source of harm. The severity of the "threat" can vary depending on the situation.

Is there a difference between a "threat" and a "risk"?

While both imply potential harm, "threat" often suggests a more direct or intentional source of danger. "Risk"/"risk" can refer to the probability of something negative happening, even without a specific source.