a higher risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a higher risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood of negative outcomes or dangers associated with a particular action or situation. Example: "Investing in startups often comes with a higher risk compared to established companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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

It's very much a higher risk market.

The New York Times

Women who take infertility drugs may have a higher risk of cancer, but women who never give birth also have a higher risk.

The New York Times

Germany probably faces a higher risk of deflation than America.

The Economist

This allows for a higher risk of failure.

The Economist

The patients also had a higher risk of skin cancer.

The New York Times

"But the endgame is a higher risk of financial ruin".

The New York Times

Harried shoppers are often at a higher risk for identity theft during the busy holiday season.

The New York Times

I was older now, at a higher risk for genetic problems.

The New York Times - Magazine

People who are HIV-positive have a higher risk of getting all types of cancers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about statistics or scientific findings, use "a higher risk" to accurately convey that a specific group or activity is more prone to a negative outcome compared to a reference group or baseline.

Common error

Avoid implying direct causation when using "a higher risk". While the phrase indicates a correlation, it doesn't automatically prove that one factor directly causes the increased risk. Use careful language to avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a higher risk" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates that a specific situation, activity, or group has an increased probability of experiencing a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a higher risk" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate an increased probability of a negative outcome. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business communication. It serves to inform audiences about potential dangers or vulnerabilities. While alternatives like "greater risk" or "increased likelihood" exist, the choice often depends on stylistic preference. Remember to avoid implying direct causation when using this phrase and carefully consider the specific context to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an elevated risk

Replaces 'higher' with 'elevated', suggesting an increase from a normal level. This is a minor stylistic change.

a greater likelihood

Shifts the focus from 'risk' to 'likelihood', implying a probability of something unfavorable occurring.

an increased hazard

Substitutes 'risk' with 'hazard', often used in contexts involving potential dangers or threats.

a heightened chance

Replaces 'risk' with 'chance', emphasizing the possibility of an adverse event.

a magnified danger

Uses 'magnified' to amplify the sense of danger associated with the risk.

a more significant threat

Changes the noun to 'threat', highlighting the potential for harm or damage.

a worsened vulnerability

Focuses on the state of being vulnerable, implying that it has become more acute.

a serious exposure

Emphasizes the exposure to something dangerous which is now more significant.

a climbing probability

Expresses an event becoming more likely to occure.

a growing peril

Indicates that the danger or threat is increasing over time.

FAQs

When should I use "a higher risk" instead of /s/a+greater+risk?

Both "a higher risk" and "a greater risk" are largely interchangeable. "Higher" emphasizes a relative comparison, while "greater" emphasizes the magnitude of the risk. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context.

Is it always negative to talk about "a higher risk"?

Yes, "a higher risk" inherently implies a greater chance of a negative or undesirable outcome. The phrase is always used in contexts involving potential dangers, threats, or adverse consequences.

Can "a higher risk" be used to describe financial investments?

Yes, "a higher risk" is commonly used in financial contexts to describe investments that have the potential for greater returns but also a greater chance of losing money. For example, investing in new tech startups carries "a higher risk" than investing in established blue-chip companies.

What are some other ways to phrase "a higher risk" when discussing health issues?

When discussing health issues, you can use alternatives like "increased likelihood", "greater susceptibility", or "elevated risk" to convey a similar meaning while varying your language. Each of these choices frames the concept of increased risk slightly differently.