under threat of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'under threat of' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is usually used to express the potential consequence of failing to carry out the action that follows. For example, "The employees had to finish the project by the deadline or face being fired under threat of disciplinary action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They now live under threat of demolition.

Independent

We were under threat of a takeover.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's under threat of razing by authorities.

The Guardian

The firm is under threat of yet another rating downgrade.

The Economist

Negotiating under threat of economic calamity is untenable.

The New York Times

Google ultimately provided the information requested under threat of subpoena.

The New York Times

Are artists who carry paintbrushes under threat of interrogation?

Independent

New York again finds itself living under threat of attack.

The New York Times

The Senate opened its debate under threat of a filibuster.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the ATA program is now under threat of termination.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She wasn't allowed to have any contact with another human being--under threat of law enforcement.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under threat of", ensure the consequence is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The company operated "under threat of" a lawsuit if it didn't comply with regulations."

Common error

Avoid using "under threat from" when "under threat of" is intended. "Under threat of" specifies the consequence, while "under threat from" specifies the source of the danger. Example: Correct: The city was "under threat of" flooding. Incorrect: The city was under threat from flooding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under threat of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a condition of potential danger or negative consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers numerous examples showcasing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under threat of" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a state of potential danger or negative consequence. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and the numerous examples show it in diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various writing styles, particularly in news and academic contexts. To ensure clarity, always state the specific consequence being threatened. Alternatives like "at risk of" or "in danger of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at risk of

Focuses on the possibility of something negative happening, similar to being under threat.

in danger of

Highlights the peril involved, emphasizing the potential for harm.

exposed to the risk of

Emphasizes the state of being vulnerable to a specific danger.

facing the possibility of

Focuses on the potential occurrence of an unwanted event.

liable to

Suggests a higher probability of something negative occurring.

vulnerable to

Highlights the susceptibility to a particular threat or harm.

susceptible to

Indicates a predisposition to being affected negatively.

subject to

Indicates a condition where something is likely to experience a particular negative outcome.

on the verge of

Indicates imminent possibility of something. Slight semantic difference, focuses on timing.

hanging over

Implies a looming threat or impending negative situation.

FAQs

How do I use "under threat of" in a sentence?

Use "under threat of" to indicate that something is at risk of a particular negative outcome or consequence. For example, "The activists continued their protest "under threat of" arrest."

What can I say instead of "under threat of"?

You can use alternatives like "at risk of", "in danger of", or "facing the possibility of depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "under threat from" instead of "under threat of"?

While both phrases are used, they have different meanings. "Under threat from" indicates the source of the threat, while "under threat of" indicates the potential consequence. For example, "The city was "under threat from" the approaching storm" (source), versus "The city was "under threat of" flooding" (consequence).

What's the difference between "under threat of" and "liable to"?

"Under threat of" implies a more immediate and direct consequence, often involving deliberate action or a specific event. "Liable to" suggests a higher probability of something happening, often due to inherent conditions or tendencies. For instance, "The contract was signed "under threat of" legal action", versus "The old bridge is "liable to collapse during the next earthquake".