threat of attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "threat of attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing security, military, or personal safety concerns where there is a possibility of an attack occurring. Example: "The government issued a warning about the threat of attack on public transportation systems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet the threat of attack is never far away.

The Economist

New York again finds itself living under threat of attack.

The New York Times

Conventional schools are scarce, expensive and likely to remain under threat of attack.

The New York Times

To some in the Reagan Adm. there appears to be an active threat of attack.

The New Yorker

This information had proved crucial when government positions were under the threat of attack.

The New Yorker

Israel cited that diversion as one reason it put off the threat of attack.

The New York Times

The current level is yellow, meaning the threat of attack is "significant".

The New York Times

The South Koreans have lived under the threat of attack for decades.

The New York Times - Sports

But for the organisers and audience members alike, the threat of attack remains real.

The Guardian

The cases involved no threat of attack against the United States.

The Washington Post

Each side uses the continued threat of attack to justify its own military activities.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "threat of attack", specify the source and nature of the threat to provide clarity and context. For example, "the threat of attack from cybercriminals".

Common error

Avoid using "threat of attack" when the danger is hypothetical or distant. Reserve it for situations where there is a credible and imminent risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threat of attack" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation involving potential harm. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "threat of attack" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe situations where there is a potential danger of harm or aggression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can vary. For clarity, specify the source and nature of the threat when using the phrase. Alternatives like "risk of assault" or "danger of aggression" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to reserve the phrase for credible and imminent risks, avoiding its use in purely hypothetical scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of assault

Focuses specifically on the potential for physical harm or violence against individuals.

danger of aggression

Highlights the potential for hostile or forceful actions, often in a broader context.

imminent assault

Emphasizes that the attack is about to happen or is very near in time.

looming threat

Stresses the impending nature and potentially overwhelming scale of the threat.

potential for hostility

Highlights the likelihood of unfriendly behavior or conflict.

impending danger

Focuses on the imminent nature of the peril or harm.

possible offensive

Emphasizes the capability and likelihood of an attack.

likelihood of conflict

Indicates the probability or chance of a clash or dispute.

prospect of invasion

Specifies the possibility of a forceful entry and takeover of territory.

vulnerability to aggression

Highlights the susceptibility or weakness in the face of potential attacks.

FAQs

How can I use "threat of attack" in a sentence?

You can use "threat of attack" to describe situations where someone or something is at risk of being attacked, as in "The city lives under the constant "threat of attack"".

What are some alternatives to "threat of attack"?

Alternatives include "risk of assault", "danger of aggression", or "imminent assault", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "threat of attack"?

Use "threat of attack" when discussing credible dangers that could lead to harm or violence. It's suitable for situations involving military, cybersecurity, or personal safety.

Is "threat for attack" grammatically correct instead of "threat of attack"?

"Threat for attack" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use is "of", making "threat of attack" the appropriate phrase.