Prepositions with nouns

“Under threat” or “of threat”?

“Under threat” is a common fixed expression meaning in danger. “Of threat” is not normally used directly after the noun “threat” in standard English.

Quick answer

Which form is correct?

Use “under threat” to mean in danger or at risk. “Of threat” is generally nonstandard as a direct combination, although “threat of” is common in phrases such as “the threat of war”.

Many species are under threat from pollution.
The town remains under threat of flooding.
People feared the threat of violence.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

under threat

In danger or at risk

Use “under threat” for situations involving danger, pressure, or possible harm.

The forest is under threat from illegal logging.

Jobs are under threat after the merger.

threat of + noun

Possible danger or harmful event

Use “threat of” before the danger being discussed.

The country faced the threat of famine.

Residents worried about the threat of attack.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction

Example

Meaning

under threat

The building is under threat.

in danger or at risk

of threat

This direct combination is not standard English.

usually avoided

threat of

They discussed the threat of disease.

possible danger from something

under the threat of

He acted under the threat of violence.

forced by a specific threat

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of threat” instead of “threat of”

The usual order is “threat of”, not “of threat”.

✕ They feared of threat of war. ✓ They feared the threat of war.

Omitting “under” in risk expressions

“Under threat” is the fixed expression for danger.

✕ The species is threat from pollution. ✓ The species is under threat from pollution.

Confusing general danger and specific coercion

“Under threat” means at risk; “under the threat of” often means forced by intimidation.

✕ He signed the paper under threat violence. ✓ He signed the paper under the threat of violence.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Several historic sites are ___ threat.

2. The region faces the threat ___ drought.

3. He acted under the threat ___ arrest.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “under threat” a fixed expression?

Yes. It is widely used to mean “in danger” or “at risk”.

Is “of threat” correct?

Not usually as a direct combination. Standard English normally uses “threat of” instead.

What is the difference between “under threat” and “under the threat of”?

“Under threat” describes general danger. “Under the threat of” usually describes pressure or coercion from a specific danger.

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