a higher risk of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a higher risk of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that one thing carries a greater likelihood of happening than another. For example, "Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, as well as a higher risk of certain types of cancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Men run a higher risk of impotence.

The New York Times

And you run a higher risk of being rejected.

The Washington Post

It merely has a higher risk of loneliness.

The Guardian - Opinion

A low credit rating implies a higher risk of default.

Columbia University

The remaining three had a higher risk of cancer.

Columbia University

People with osteoporosis have a higher risk of fractures.

Harvard University

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

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your argument, quantify the increased risk when possible. Use statistics or comparative data to illustrate the magnitude of the risk. E.g., "Individuals who smoke have a higher risk of lung cancer compared to non-smokers."

Common error

Avoid using "a higher risk of" without specifying the baseline or comparison group. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what the risk is being compared to. For example, instead of saying 'This diet has a higher risk of complications', specify 'This diet has a higher risk of complications compared to a balanced diet'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a higher risk of" functions as a modifier, specifically indicating an increased probability or susceptibility to a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a higher risk of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate an increased probability or susceptibility to a particular outcome. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is used across various contexts, from news reports and academic studies to general discussions, to warn or inform about potential negative consequences. Common alternatives include "increased likelihood of" and "greater chance of". When using this phrase, ensure you specify the risk and the baseline for comparison to avoid ambiguity. It is important to be mindful of vague associations or quantifying the risk where possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Increased likelihood of

Emphasizes the probability aspect, focusing on the increased chance of something happening.

Greater chance of

Uses simpler language to express a similar probability.

Elevated probability of

More formal and statistical, emphasizing the elevated nature of the probability.

Heightened susceptibility to

Focuses on vulnerability and increased likelihood of being affected by something.

Increased vulnerability to

Similar to 'heightened susceptibility', highlighting a weakened state.

Greater exposure to

Highlights increased contact with something that could lead to a negative outcome.

Higher incidence of

Focuses on the frequency of an event occurring.

Increased odds of

Uses the term 'odds' to convey probability.

Greater propensity for

Suggests a natural inclination or tendency toward something.

Elevated threat of

Highlights the potential danger or harm associated with something.

FAQs

How can I use "a higher risk of" in a sentence?

You can use "a higher risk of" to indicate that a particular action, condition, or behavior increases the likelihood of a specific negative outcome. For example, "Smoking leads to "a higher risk of lung cancer"".

What are some alternatives to "a higher risk of"?

Alternatives include "increased likelihood of", "greater chance of", or "elevated probability of", depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "a higher risk for" or "a higher risk of"?

"A higher risk of" is generally preferred and more common in standard English. "A higher risk for" is less frequently used and can sound awkward to some native speakers.

What factors might contribute to "a higher risk of" developing certain diseases?

Various factors can contribute to "a higher risk of developing certain diseases", including genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices (such as diet and exercise), environmental exposures, and pre-existing medical conditions.