Correct spelling, explanation: the word threatened is a past simple/past participle form of the regular verb threaten. It consists of two parts: the basis and the common -ed suffix. The aforementioned verb – threaten – comes from the noun threat. It’s important to remember that many English verbs end with -en. You can’t omit this part of the construction. Therefore, the only correct form is threatened, not threated.
Definition of threatened:
verb (past simple, past participle), to warn of something unpleasant or unwanted
My husband threatened to sue the company he works in for mobbing.
The attacker threatened them with a gun.
Collocations with threatened:
Some most commonly used collocations include threaten to do something.
The boss threatened to sack him.
Connor’s wife threatened to divorce him.
Incorrect spelling, explanation: threated is an incorrect version of the word threatened. It lacks the important part which is the -en suffix, which is used to create verbs. Without it, the construction doesn’t make any sense. Be careful not to make that mistake. Threatened is a past simple/past participle form of the verb threaten. You can’t just add a verb suffix to the noun.
✔ Click to open Free Grammar, Style and Spell Checker
Still not sure?
Ask your question in our comments section below (we reply to all comments within 24 hours)or return to main search.
Thanks!
Thank you for all the information. I was composing a letter hence your site absolutely made it easier for me.
I’m touched, I must say. Not very often do I encounter a web site that is so helpful and easy to understand at the same time. Let me tell you, you have totally nailed it.