a risky undertaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a risky undertaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an activity or project that involves a significant level of risk or uncertainty. Example: "Starting a new business can be a risky undertaking, especially in a competitive market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It was a risky undertaking.

The Guardian

The Hours is a risky undertaking too.

The Guardian - Film

But that's why real estate development is a risky undertaking.

The New York Times

Farming was — and still is — a risky undertaking.

The New York Times

"They could be successful, but it's a risky undertaking.

The New York Times - Science

Creating a child protagonist is always a risky undertaking.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Despite all the bad news, those negative bets remain a very risky undertaking.

The New York Times

I think that's a more risky undertaking in the current environment, frankly, than building this house".

The New York Times

This made Dynasties a highly risky undertaking.

BBC

Note that this does require you to dig into Terminal and get your hands dirty with command line input, which would be a very risky undertaking for most users, but for DIY types (with ample backups in place) it's not all that challenging.

TechCrunch

The Norwegian parliament refused to provide financial support, believing that such a potentially risky undertaking should not be encouraged.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a risky undertaking", consider quantifying the risk involved to provide more context and clarity for your audience. For example, specify the potential financial losses, safety concerns, or reputational damage associated with the undertaking.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the risk associated with "a risky undertaking" to the point of hyperbole. Ensure that your description of the potential negative consequences is realistic and proportional to the situation, maintaining credibility and avoiding alarmism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a risky undertaking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing various activities from business ventures to artistic productions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Books

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a risky undertaking" is a commonly used phrase to describe activities with a significant potential for negative outcomes. Ludwig examples reveal its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as in scientific and business contexts. Alternatives like "a hazardous endeavor" or "a perilous venture" can provide a slightly different emphasis. The key is to ensure that the level of risk is accurately portrayed and avoid exaggeration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hazardous endeavor

This alternative emphasizes the potential for danger and harm.

a perilous venture

This alternative suggests a high risk of failure or negative outcomes.

a precarious situation

This alternative focuses on the instability and uncertainty of the circumstances.

a chancy proposition

This alternative indicates that the outcome is largely dependent on luck or chance.

a gamble

This alternative highlights the speculative nature of the activity, with potential for both gain and loss.

a long shot

Implies that the chances of success are slim.

an uncertain prospect

Focuses on the unpredictable nature of the future outcomes.

a leap of faith

Suggests that the action requires trust and belief in the absence of concrete evidence.

a dangerous game

Emphasizes the high stakes and potential negative consequences of the activity.

walking a tightrope

Illustrates a situation where one must maintain balance and avoid mistakes to prevent failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a risky undertaking" to describe any project, business, or activity that involves a significant chance of failure or negative consequences. For example, "Starting a new restaurant in this economy is "a risky undertaking"."

What can I say instead of "a risky undertaking"?

Alternatives include "a hazardous endeavor", "a perilous venture", or "a precarious situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "risky undertaking" formal or informal?

"Risky undertaking" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the choice of synonyms may depend on the specific register. For example, "hazardous endeavor" might be preferred in more formal writing.

What makes something "a risky undertaking"?

An undertaking is considered "a risky undertaking" when the potential for failure or negative outcomes is high, and the consequences of failure could be significant. Factors contributing to the risk might include economic instability, lack of resources, or uncertain market conditions.