I hazard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I hazard" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a guess or a suggestion, often with a sense of uncertainty. Example: "I hazard that the meeting will be postponed due to the weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

I hazard a guess of 10, maybe 15 litres?

The Guardian

CARSTAIRS: Can I hazard a guess at what passed through your mind?

The Guardian

I hazard these are more fun to dream up than they are to eat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I hazard that in Currin's art manifold pleasure disarms revulsion — without eliminating it.

The New Yorker

But even those luminaries – I hazard – would like their readers to have read Jane Eyre and To the Lighthouse.

The Guardian - Opinion

I hazard a guess but most Conservative party members will be voting to leave the EU in this referendum.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Silk?" I hazarded.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, I hazarded a bite.

The New York Times - Food

I hazarded another look at the text message.

The New Yorker

It quickly became clear that the novelty of the situation for me, about which I hazarded a small joke, was not amusing to the inspector.

The New York Times

"Titty-flash?" I hazarded as a guess.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I hazard" when you want to express a guess or suggestion with a degree of uncertainty. It adds a touch of formality and thoughtfulness to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I hazard" in very casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler phrase like "I guess" or "I think" would be more appropriate. Overuse can make your speech sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I hazard" functions as a performative utterance where the speaker explicitly indicates that they are making a guess or offering a suggestion with a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I hazard" serves as a means to express a guess or suggestion with an element of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. Its primary function is to convey a tentative opinion. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with some presence in academic and scientific writing. When aiming for a touch of formality and thoughtfulness in your writing, "I hazard" can be a suitable choice, just be mindful to avoid overuse in extremely casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I suggest

A more general term for putting forward an idea or possibility.

I would guess

A more straightforward and common way to express a guess.

I imagine

Indicates a belief based on limited evidence or personal thought.

I venture to say

Implies a slightly more formal and bold suggestion.

I speculate

Focuses on forming a theory without firm evidence.

I surmise

Suggests a more intellectual or educated guess.

I posit

Introduces an idea or assumption, often in a more academic context.

I propose

Suggests an idea or plan for consideration.

It is my estimation

A slightly more formal way of giving an opinion or judgment.

I dare say

An older idiom expressing a tentative belief or opinion.

FAQs

What does "I hazard" mean?

"I hazard" means to offer a guess or suggestion, usually implying some uncertainty or risk that the guess might be incorrect. It is similar to saying "I guess" or "I venture".

How can I use "I hazard" in a sentence?

You can use "I hazard" when you want to express a thoughtful guess or opinion. For example, "I hazard that the meeting will be postponed due to the weather".

What are some alternatives to "I hazard"?

Some alternatives to "I hazard" include "I guess", "I suspect", "I venture", or "I speculate". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality.

Is "I hazard" formal or informal?

"I hazard" is considered more formal than phrases like "I guess" or "I think". It's suitable for academic writing, professional communication, or situations where you want to sound thoughtful and considered.