threatening sign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "threatening sign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a warning or indication that something dangerous or harmful may occur. Example: "The dark clouds and strong winds were a threatening sign of the approaching storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We tested whether AAV-mediated myotubularin replacement could be beneficial at the functional level because muscle weakness is the constant and life threatening sign of the disease.

Human Molecular Genetics

This is obviously a very threatening sign that we are criminals against the nation".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But because landowners and their tenants do not recognise this right, everywhere but on the 3% of rivers where it has been formally conceded, canoeists, kayakers, swimmers and the rest of the public are barred by threatening signs, barbed wire and intimidating men insisting that they are trespassing.

The Guardian

All around Shepperton Studios, threatening signs warn against unauthorised entry to the soundstages.

BBC

A bull has cause to be a little concerned when you're out in the corral where he has his girls, but he shouldn't be so concerned that he gives you all sorts of threatening signs such as showing his side and arching his neck, shaking his head at you, etc.

WikiHow

And when Meadows asked moderates if they cared which version of the bill got a vote, and they said they didn't, Meadows blew up at Ryan, saying he was "done," that it "doesn't matter," even threatening to sign a discharge petition to trigger a whole new set of immigration votes.

Huffington Post

This is the reason why the efficacy of a low-dose CV regimen as a first-line therapy was investigated in that subset of patients, providing no urgent situation (i.e. life-threatening sign or symptomatic dumb-bell tumour) as that regimen is thought to have a lower or delayed efficacy as compared to CE combination.

British Journal of Cancer

Amid a widespread backlash which included companies and sports leagues threatening boycotts Pence signed a revision that prevented service from being denied on the basis of "sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The emergency data contains a life threatening vital signs information such as low or high threshold value of a heartbeat.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The white-bearded chairman of the advisory council, or loya jirga, told Karzai that he miscalculated by threatening a signing delay until spring.

Los Angeles Times

A list of medically recognized potentially life threatening obstetric signs was obtained from the responses given.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "threatening sign", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being threatened. Specificity enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "threatening sign" in contexts where the threat is overstated or lacks credible evidence. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threatening sign" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies something that indicates potential danger or harm. Ludwig provides examples where it describes life-threatening medical conditions or warnings against unauthorized entry.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "threatening sign" denotes an indication of potential danger or harm, functioning as a noun phrase with a warning purpose. Though Ludwig AI marks it as correct, its usage is rare. While it can appear in diverse contexts, it is frequently found in scientific and news media, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Alternatives such as "ominous warning" or "menacing indication" may offer nuanced replacements. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are key to emphasizing the impending threat.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad sign

A simpler, more direct way to convey the same meaning.

ominous warning

Replaces 'threatening' with 'ominous' while maintaining the sense of impending danger.

menacing indication

Substitutes both words with synonyms conveying a similar sense of foreboding.

foreboding signal

Uses 'foreboding' to amplify the sense of impending doom and 'signal' as a synonym.

alarming symptom

Shifts focus to a symptom implying a cause for concern or danger.

disturbing precursor

Emphasizes the role of the sign as a predictor of something negative to come.

ill omen

A more figurative and literary way to express a negative sign.

worrying development

Focuses on the development aspect, suggesting an evolving situation that is concerning.

unfavorable portent

Replaces "sign" with "portent" to offer a more formal and literary alternative.

imminent threat indicator

Emphasizes the imminence of the threat, making the sign a clear indicator.

FAQs

How can I use "threatening sign" in a sentence?

Use "threatening sign" to indicate an indication of potential danger or harm. For example, "The increase in cyberattacks is a "threatening sign" for data security."

What are some alternatives to "threatening sign"?

Alternatives include "ominous warning", "menacing indication", or "foreboding signal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "threatening sign" formal or informal?

"Threatening sign" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its impact is greater in more serious or formal situations. However, consider that alternatives like "bad sign" are better suited for informal usage.

What does "threatening sign" imply?

A "threatening sign" implies that something negative or harmful is likely to occur, and warrants attention and potentially preventative action.