a serious risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential dangers or threats that could have significant negative consequences. Example: "The company faces a serious risk of losing its market share if it does not innovate its product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a serious risk," Collins replied.

The Guardian

Worklessness is a serious risk to life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fatima didn't think inching oceans posed a serious risk.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a serious risk and a serious problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has identified a serious risk to our society.

The Guardian - Business

"There is a serious risk of kidnapping and crime".

The Guardian - Travel

However, Flec was not thought to be a serious risk.

The Guardian - Sport

The producers decided that he was a serious risk".

Independent

Jeyapaul could at present pose a serious risk".

The New York Times

Maidana, 27, represents a serious risk to Khan.

Independent

Brain swelling would remain a serious risk, they warned.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious risk", specify what is at risk and the potential consequences to provide context and emphasize the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "a serious risk" without providing any supporting evidence or explanation of why it's considered serious. Detail the potential impact and likelihood to add credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious risk" functions primarily as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes something as posing a notable level of danger or potential harm. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis which confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious risk" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase employed to highlight potential dangers with significant negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its appropriate in a wide range of contexts, with particular prevalence in news, scientific, and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure to specify what is at risk and quantify the potential consequences to provide context and credibility. While alternatives like "a substantial risk" or "a significant threat" exist, "a serious risk" offers a balanced tone suitable for diverse communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial risk

Implies a considerable amount of risk, often used in formal contexts.

a major risk

Indicates a risk of significant consequence or impact.

a grave risk

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential for severe consequences.

a dangerous risk

Highlights the element of danger involved.

a considerable risk

Suggests that the risk is worthy of attention and consideration.

a real risk

Highlights that the risk is genuine and not merely theoretical.

a significant threat

Shifts focus to the threatening nature of the risk.

a hazardous situation

Replaces "risk" with "situation," emphasizing the overall context.

a perilous undertaking

Emphasizes the dangerous nature of an activity or project.

a worrying trend

Focuses on the concerning aspect of a developing situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious risk" to describe potential dangers or threats that could lead to significant negative outcomes. For example: "Ignoring safety protocols poses "a serious risk" to employee well-being".

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

Alternatives include "a substantial risk", "a major risk", "a grave risk", or "a significant threat" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "a serious risk" or "a major risk"?

Both "a serious risk" and "a major risk" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. "Major" might emphasize the scale of the potential impact, while "serious" emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

What kind of situations warrant the use of the phrase "a serious risk"?

The phrase "a serious risk" is appropriate when discussing situations involving potential negative consequences that are significant, likely, and warrant attention or action. This could range from health and safety concerns to financial or environmental hazards.