a high risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a high risk" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation, action, or decision that carries a strong chance of negative consequences or failure. Example: "Investing in the stock market carries a high risk, but the potential for high returns is also present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Is it a high risk?

The New York Times

He's running a high risk.

The Guardian

There is a high risk of sensationalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a high risk of suicide.

The Guardian

There is a high risk of failure.

The New York Times

Early revision THR: A high risk procedure.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

So you were at a higher risk.

The New York Times

Men run a higher risk of impotence.

The New York Times

So it's a higher risk fund.

TechCrunch

A higher score indicates a higher risk.

BMJ Open

A high-risk gamble.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assessing potential actions, quantify the "high risk" by considering both the probability of negative outcomes and the magnitude of their impact to provide a more concrete evaluation.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "a high risk" without providing context or explanation. Always specify what the risk entails and why it's considered high to ensure clarity and informed decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high risk" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its role in describing entities or activities associated with significant potential for adverse outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a high risk" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations with a significant likelihood of negative consequences. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to warn or inform. While its register is generally neutral, remember to provide specific context to avoid ambiguity. When considering alternative phrases, options such as ""a significant hazard"" or ""a considerable peril"" can add nuance to your writing. The phrase frequently appears in "News & Media", "Academia" and "Formal & Business" contexts, signaling its widespread relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant hazard

Replaces "risk" with "hazard" emphasizing the potential for danger.

a considerable peril

Substitutes "risk" with "peril", highlighting a serious and immediate danger.

a substantial threat

Emphasizes the threatening nature of the risk.

a dangerous undertaking

Focuses on the activity that involves the risk.

a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and uncertainty associated with the risk.

a dicey proposition

Uses a more informal term to describe a risky situation.

a chancy endeavor

Similar to "dicey", emphasizing the element of chance and uncertainty.

a vulnerable position

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm associated with the risk.

a hazardous gamble

Highlights the element of chance and potential loss.

an imprudent choice

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom in taking the risk.

FAQs

How can I use "a high risk" in a sentence?

You can use "a high risk" to describe situations or activities with a significant chance of negative consequences. For example, "Investing in untested technology is "a high risk" venture."

What are some alternatives to saying "a high risk"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a significant hazard", "a considerable peril", or "a substantial threat".

Is it better to say "high risk" or "a high risk"?

Both are grammatically correct. "High risk" is often used as an adjective (e.g., "high risk investment"), while "a high risk" is used as a noun phrase (e.g., "It's a high risk").

What factors determine if something is "a high risk"?

Factors include the probability of a negative outcome, the potential severity of the consequences, and the availability of mitigation strategies. All of these need to be present for something to be labelled "a high risk".