under close threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under close threat" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where someone or something is facing imminent danger or risk, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The wildlife in the area is under close threat due to habitat destruction."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet its lead in the Premier League is still under close threat from United.

The New York Times - Sports

At least 114 of the 229 world heritage sites classed as being of outstanding importance for their natural habitats or their flora and fauna are now subject to fossil fuel extraction concessions, or are under close threat from other industrial activities, according to the report.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Shiites, considered to be an opposing political force and a threat to Mr. Hussein's power, were kept under close watch.

The New York Times

Many of her close friends and family were exiled, imprisoned or shot; her son was under constant threat of arrest, she was often under close surveillance.

Wikipedia

Use under close adult supervision.

WikiHow

GayEgypt.com was one forum for people to discuss their sexualities and religious beliefs in a safer place - but had to close under constant threat of infiltration by the security services.

BBC

The Justice Department has gone after hundreds of dispensaries and other medical marijuana businesses across California, forcing many of them to close under the threat of federal prosecution despite their compliance with the state's medical marijuana law.

Huffington Post

With the integrity of the dam under threat, close to two hundred thousand local residents were evacuated.

The New Yorker

Job security: UNDER THREAT.

BBC

Now, all those places have either closed, or are under threat of closing.

Vice

Amnesty International said several political advocates in Beijing were under threat of close surveillance or house arrest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger, more common alternatives like "under serious threat" or "facing imminent danger" for clearer communication.

Common error

While "close" can intensify a threat, avoid using it redundantly when other words already convey urgency. For instance, instead of "under close threat of immediate closure", simply use "under immediate threat of closure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under close threat" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of being at risk. Ludwig examples show it describing situations facing imminent danger or vulnerability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under close threat" signifies a state of imminent danger, but its usage is relatively rare. Ludwig AI suggests that it may sound slightly awkward compared to alternatives like "under serious threat" or "facing imminent danger". While grammatically correct, it's more common in news and media contexts, but considering other options might improve clarity and impact. When writing, strive to use the most precise language possible and avoid redundancy. Selecting more frequent phrasing choices, where appropriate, often lends well to a sound and confident writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under imminent threat

Emphasizes the immediacy of the threat.

facing serious danger

Uses more common vocabulary to convey the severity of the situation.

at grave risk

Highlights the potential for significant harm.

under severe menace

Replaces 'threat' with a stronger term, 'menace'.

in immediate jeopardy

Focuses on the precariousness of the situation.

exposed to significant hazard

Emphasizes the vulnerability to harm.

subject to critical risk

Highlights the high level of danger involved.

vulnerable to acute danger

Stresses the susceptibility to immediate harm.

encountering substantial peril

Uses a more formal tone to describe the danger.

in the crosshairs

Idiomatic expression indicating a target of harm.

FAQs

What does "under close threat" mean?

The phrase "under close threat" suggests that someone or something is facing a significant and imminent danger. However, it's less common than alternatives like "under serious threat".

Are there better alternatives to "under close threat"?

Yes, more common and clearer alternatives include /s/under+serious+threat, /s/facing+imminent+danger, or /s/at+grave+risk. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "under close threat" grammatically correct?

While grammatically sound, "under close threat" is not as frequently used as other similar phrases. Ludwig AI feedback suggests it might sound awkward to some native English speakers.

How can I use "under threat" correctly?

Use "under threat" when referring to a state of vulnerability or danger. For example, "The species is "under threat" due to habitat loss." Be sure the context clearly indicates what is causing the threat.