a calculated risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a calculated risk" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a decision or action that has been carefully considered and planned out, despite potential risks or uncertainties. Example: "Investing in the stock market is always a calculated risk, as there is no guarantee of returns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A calculated risk?

The New York Times

Talk about a calculated risk.

The New York Times

We take a calculated risk.

The Guardian

It is a calculated risk.

The New York Times - Sports

"Authorities have taken a calculated risk.

The New York Times

For him it was a calculated risk.

Independent

The bombing represents a calculated risk.

The New Yorker

"It was a calculated risk," he says.

The Guardian - Film

"It was a risk, a calculated risk.

The New York Times

The decision was a calculated risk.

The New York Times

The crisis began with a calculated risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "a calculated risk", ensure you can articulate what considerations were made to evaluate the risk and why the potential reward justifies it.

Common error

Avoid using "a calculated risk" to describe situations where the potential negative consequences significantly outweigh any possible benefits. The phrase implies careful consideration and a reasonable expectation of a positive outcome, despite inherent uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a calculated risk" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is commonly used to describe a situation where potential risks have been carefully assessed. It suggests a balance between potential gains and potential losses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a calculated risk" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a decision or action where potential dangers have been carefully considered before acting. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across many contexts. Its function is to communicate that a decision involves uncertainty but has been approached thoughtfully, with an awareness of the potential downsides. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as business and academic contexts. It is important to note that using "a calculated risk" suggests a careful balance between the potential gains and losses, and that it is not used to describe actions with a high probability of severe negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considered risk

Implies thorough evaluation and contemplation before taking the risk.

a thoughtful risk

Emphasizes the depth of consideration given to the potential consequences.

an informed risk

Stresses the importance of having adequate knowledge before proceeding.

a measured risk

Focuses on the careful assessment and quantification of the potential risk involved.

a weighed risk

Suggests a careful balancing of potential benefits and drawbacks.

a strategic risk

Highlights the planning and purpose behind taking the risk.

a prudent risk

Indicates caution and wisdom in taking the risk.

a tactical risk

Highlights the use of risk-taking as a maneuver to gain a strategic advantage.

a deliberate gamble

Emphasizes the intentional nature of the risk, portraying it as a conscious choice.

a planned gamble

Highlights the elements of planning and unpredictability.

FAQs

How to use "a calculated risk" in a sentence?

You can use "a calculated risk" to describe a situation where someone has considered the potential dangers before taking an action. For instance, "Investing in that startup was "a calculated risk", but it paid off handsomely."

What can I say instead of "a calculated risk"?

You can use alternatives like "a strategic risk", "a measured risk", or "a considered risk" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a calculated risk" and "a gamble"?

"A calculated risk" implies careful assessment and planning, while "a gamble" suggests a higher degree of chance and less preparation. A gamble is often based on hope rather than a thorough evaluation of potential outcomes.

Is it always wise to take "a calculated risk"?

Not necessarily. While "a calculated risk" suggests a degree of prudence, the potential consequences must still be acceptable. Even with careful planning, unforeseen circumstances can lead to negative outcomes.