a grave risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or significant danger or threat in various contexts, such as health, safety, or decision-making. Example: "The researchers concluded that there is a grave risk of environmental damage if the project proceeds without proper safeguards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This whole thing runs a grave risk to democracy," Mr. Janklow concluded.

The New York Times

People on the ground and in buildings also face a grave risk from aircraft accidents.

The New York Times

He poses a grave risk of flight and an equally grave danger to the community.

The New York Times

"The defendant created a grave risk of substantial danger to our national security," Mr. McNulty said.

The New York Times

Dr. Lee spent more than nine months in solitary confinement and was described as a grave risk to national security.

The New York Times

It was a grave risk, because under Communist rule it was illegal to engage in private business.

The New York Times

"The posting of sensitive witness information," the letter continued, "poses a grave risk of harm to cooperating witnesses and defendants".

The New York Times

That would be seen as a grave risk to national security, surely?Yes unless the attacks came over the internet.

The Economist

The bank, Mr. Mayer said, still does not believe that the credit crisis originating in the American mortgage market poses a grave risk to Europe's economic prospects.

The New York Times

We are now on the way to the EU exit door and there is a grave risk that the UK will break up.

The Guardian

More alarming, he said, was mounting evidence that the virus posed a grave risk to a wide array of birds, including threatened species.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grave risk" when you want to emphasize the severity and potential consequences of a particular threat or danger. It is suitable for formal contexts and when you need to convey a sense of urgency.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave risk" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound overly dramatic or out of place in less serious settings; instead, consider using simpler alternatives like "a big danger" or "a serious problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave risk" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, with many examples showcasing its role in highlighting significant dangers or threats.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave risk" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a serious and significant danger. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase sees frequent usage across diverse contexts, most notably within news and media, with supporting presence in scientific and formal writing. When writing, it is important to use this phrase in more formal context, as it may come across as overly dramatic in more informal situations. Consider using alternatives such as ""a serious danger"" or ""a significant threat"" depending on the context. Ludwig's examples underscore the phrase's versatility and its capacity to convey critical information across various professional and academic spheres.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious danger

Emphasizes the severity of the potential harm.

a significant threat

Highlights the potential for causing harm or disruption.

a perilous situation

Focuses on the dangerous and uncertain nature of the circumstances.

a critical hazard

Stresses the importance of addressing the danger.

a substantial peril

Highlights the magnitude of the danger.

a major vulnerability

Focuses on the weakness that exposes something to danger.

a dire possibility

Emphasizes the extremely negative potential outcome.

a looming threat

Suggests an impending and unavoidable danger.

a high-stakes gamble

Highlights the potential for significant loss.

a weighty concern

Underscores the serious nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

Use "a grave risk" to highlight a potentially severe and dangerous situation. For instance, "Ignoring safety protocols poses "a grave risk" to workers".

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

You can use alternatives like "a serious danger", "a significant threat", or "a perilous situation" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a grave risk"?

It is most appropriate in formal settings, such as academic papers, news reports, and professional communications, where you want to emphasize the serious nature of a threat or danger.

What's the difference between "a grave risk" and "a serious risk"?

"A grave risk" implies a higher level of danger and potential consequences compared to "a serious risk". "Grave" suggests a more profound and potentially life-threatening situation.