a potential risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a potential risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that may pose a danger or hazard in the future. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, we need to assess a potential risk that could impact our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they did find a potential risk.

The New York Times

And there's a potential risk in starting Hernandez up front.

The Guardian - Sport

"Is there a potential risk this could happen?

The Guardian - Books

The memos emphasized a potential risk called QT prolongation, in which the heart delays recharging electrically.

The New York Times - Health

This missing link creates a potential risk in respect of the department's parliamentary accountability".

The Guardian

Though a spotter noticed a potential risk nearby — was that a security guard?

The New York Times - Arts

This poses a potential risk to patients, their visitors and staff".

The Guardian

Many groups are investigating whether there is a potential risk in transferring porcine endogenous viruses to humans.

The New York Times - Health

Any invasive, surgical procedure – whether it be cardiac or cosmetic – involves a potential risk and should be taken very seriously.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The world's 1,500 or so active volcanoes pose a potential risk to as many as 500 million people.

The New York Times - Books

"I am factoring in the drought as a potential risk," Mr. Berner said, "but not a problem yet".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a potential risk" when discussing future possibilities rather than current certainties. This conveys uncertainty appropriately.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating "a potential risk" into a definite threat. Accurately represent the level of uncertainty to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a potential risk" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies something that could possibly cause harm or negative consequences. Ludwig AI shows examples in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a potential risk" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for identifying possible future dangers. Ludwig AI indicates it's versatile, fitting neutral registers across varied fields such as science, news, and business. Recognizing and articulating "a potential risk" helps in proactive planning and mitigation. While similar phrases like "a possible danger" or "a likely hazard" exist, understanding their subtle differences can enhance precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a possible danger

Emphasizes the possibility of danger, differing slightly in tone.

a likely hazard

Focuses on the probability of a hazard occurring.

a prospective threat

Highlights the anticipation of a threat in the future.

a conceivable peril

Suggests that the peril is within the realm of possibility.

a looming threat

Implies that the threat is imminent and likely to occur.

a future vulnerability

Focuses on a weakness that could be exploited in the future.

an emerging hazard

Highlights that the hazard is new and developing.

a foreseeable danger

Indicates the danger can be anticipated based on current circumstances.

a possible complication

Shifts the focus to an issue that could arise and make things more difficult.

an inherent weakness

Highlights a fundamental flaw that naturally presents a risk.

FAQs

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

You can use "a potential risk" to describe something that might cause harm or difficulty in the future. For instance, "The company identified "a potential risk" in the new supply chain."

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

Alternatives include "a possible danger", "a likely hazard", or "a prospective threat" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "a potential risk" or "a possible risk"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "A potential risk" emphasizes that the risk is yet to materialize, while "a possible risk" highlights that the risk is within the realm of possibility.

What's the difference between "a potential risk" and "a looming threat"?

"A potential risk" is a general term for something that might cause harm. "A looming threat" implies that the risk is imminent and likely to occur, suggesting a higher level of certainty and urgency.