a rather risky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather risky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, action, or decision that involves a significant level of risk or uncertainty. Example: "Investing in the stock market can be a rather risky endeavor, especially during economic downturns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I think it's the best thing that Doug has ever written, a rather risky and theatrical piece that I think has something to say," Mr. Lane said.

The New York Times

It's a rather risky move for Mr Obama to be making this late in the game, one that could be seen as overkill.

The Economist

Confirming the difficulty of predicting taste, when Brooks turned his movie into a Broadway musical, it seemed to many a rather risky proposition, a dramatic irony waiting to happen – but it ran for six years in New York and almost three in London.

The Guardian

This would have the potential to be a rather risky option for the Fed, despite significant enthusiasm from several members of the committee to go now, which means if the Fed were to move today, Janet Yellen's press conference would then be an exercise in expectations management, though this would be equally true if they hold rate, as is widely expected, though it would be an easier task to manage.

The Guardian - Business

But isn't this a rather risky assumption?

Forbes

Being not prepared is a rather risky strategy, which might lead to losing the "licensee to operate".

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The second – a rather riskier strategy – is for a show to achieve such a negative reception that people buy tickets to see if it can really be as terrible as rumour suggests: the entertainment equivalent of drivers rubbernecking motorway pileups.

The Guardian

It is, after all, rather risky to have staked the success of an overhaul of America's entire health-insurance system on the performance of one gigantic, complex information-technology project.

The Economist

For many years he has been a stimulating and popular part of At The Races, where he will continue to work, but his outspoken style caused some producers to see him as rather risky for a mainstream channel.

The Guardian - Sport

In contrary, Scenario 1 is considered rather risky and probably as a consequence to that, its score on all remaining criteria is low (Fig. 9).

European Transport Research Review

So letting its air out seems a churlish thing for Monk to have done, as well as rather risky.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "a rather risky", consider specifying the potential negative consequences to provide a clearer picture of the risk involved. For example: "Investing in cryptocurrency is "a rather risky" venture, as market volatility can lead to significant losses."

Common error

Avoid using "a rather risky" when the situation presents only minor or negligible risks. Ensure the level of risk described aligns with the actual potential consequences. Otherwise, try to use less strong expressions like "a bit risky" or "a little risky".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather risky" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that involves a significant degree of risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rather risky" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that describes something involving a considerable degree of risk. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for expressing caution and highlighting potential negative consequences. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the level of risk aligns with the actual potential consequences and, conversely, avoid understatement. Consider more descriptive alternatives when the simple adjective isn't enough.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a somewhat perilous

Emphasizes the potential danger or hazard involved.

a fairly hazardous

Highlights the presence of potential hazards or dangers.

a seriously unsafe

Emphasizes the lack of safety, suggesting a high likelihood of harm.

a notably dangerous

Highlights the element of danger as being especially remarkable or evident.

a genuinely uncertain

Highlights the unpredictable nature of the situation or action.

a considerably precarious

Stresses the instability and uncertainty of the situation.

a potentially harmful

Emphasizes the possible negative consequences or damage that could result.

a decidedly chancy

Suggests the outcome is subject to luck or random chance.

a truly insecure

Highlights the lack of safety or stability.

a quite speculative

Suggests that the action or decision is based on conjecture rather than firm knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "a rather risky" in a sentence?

You can use "a rather risky" to describe actions, situations, or decisions that involve a significant level of potential danger or negative consequences. For example: "Launching this product without proper testing is "a rather risky" move."

What are some alternatives to "a rather risky"?

Alternatives include "somewhat perilous", "fairly hazardous", or "potentially harmful" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a rather risky"?

It's appropriate when the situation involves more than just a minor chance of something going wrong. It suggests a noteworthy probability of negative outcomes or significant potential harm.

Is "a rather risky" formal or informal?

The phrase "a rather risky" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and the specific situation will further determine the overall level of formality.