a risky decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a risky decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing choices or actions that involve potential danger or negative consequences. Example: "Investing in that startup was a risky decision, but it could pay off in the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He reckon's it's a risky decision.

The Guardian - Business

She said: "I've had to take quite a risky decision.

Independent

Mr. Elop was making a risky decision that still hasn't paid off.

The New York Times - Tech

Being a chief executive, showing real leadership, is a risky decision.

The New York Times

Mickelson paid for a risky decision and bogeyed the par-5, 558-yard 18th hole.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a risky decision to try to have all eight babies," he said.

The Guardian

"It was a risky decision to learn a new dive but it's definitely paying off.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a risky decision, since complex constitutional questions don't lend themselves to sprightly storytelling.

The New York Times - Books

The most personal track is "Go", about encouraging someone to follow their heart and take a risky decision.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

On each day, 120 participants completed either the cold pressor test or a control manipulation with equal probability, followed by a risky decision-making task.

Neurobiology of Stress

After completing the reward tasks that either did or did not depend on learning, subjects also completed a risky decision-making task while undergoing fMRI.

Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a risky decision", clearly articulate the potential negative consequences to provide context and fully inform the audience of the implications.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the risk involved in "a risky decision" without providing concrete evidence or reasoning. Overstating the risk can undermine your credibility and make your analysis appear biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a risky decision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a verb. It describes an act of choosing with an element of uncertainty and potential negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a risky decision" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a choice involving potential negative outcomes or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use across various registers, though it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient context about the potential risks involved to ensure clear and effective communication. Exploring alternatives such as ""a perilous choice"" or ""a hazardous option"" can add nuance to your writing, depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perilous choice

Replaces "risky" with "perilous", emphasizing danger.

a hazardous option

Substitutes "risky" with "hazardous", highlighting potential harm.

a chancy move

Replaces "risky" with "chancy", indicating uncertainty of success.

a precarious step

Substitutes "risky" with "precarious", stressing instability.

an uncertain gamble

Replaces "decision" with "gamble", emphasizing the element of chance.

a bold gamble

It uses "gamble" to mean something with an uncertain outcome; bold here stresses that you are prepared to risk the negative outcomes.

an unwise bet

Substitutes "decision" with "bet", emphasizing a potential loss.

a dubious course of action

Replaces "risky" with "dubious", highlighting doubtfulness.

an adventurous undertaking

Replaces "risky" with "adventurous", focusing on the excitement of the unknown.

a leap of faith

Replaces both words to convey acting without guaranteed result, guided by trust.

FAQs

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

You can use "a risky decision" to describe a choice that involves potential negative consequences or uncertainty. For example: "Investing in that startup was a risky decision, but it could pay off in the long run."

What are some alternatives to saying "a risky decision"?

You can use alternatives like "a perilous choice", "a hazardous option", or "a chancy move" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "risky decision" or "dangerous decision"?

While both "risky decision" and "dangerous decision" imply potential negative outcomes, "risky decision" often suggests a calculated gamble, whereas "dangerous decision" emphasizes immediate threat or harm. The choice depends on the specific context you want to convey.

What makes a decision "risky"?

A decision is "risky" when the outcome is uncertain and there's a significant chance of negative consequences or failure. The level of risk depends on the probability and severity of these potential outcomes.