a significant gamble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant gamble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a risky decision or action that has the potential for a large reward or loss. Example: "Investing in the startup was a significant gamble, but the potential returns were too enticing to ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's a significant gamble.

The New York Times

For the network, the change represents a significant gamble.

The New York Times

This is perhaps McClaren's last real chance for success but for the club it therefore represents a significant gamble.

The Guardian - Sport

In other words, they are taking a significant gamble on any real expectation of privacy under these circumstances".

The Guardian - Tech

When Juventus picked him up after he'd been sacked by Chelsea, it was portrayed as opportunism, but it was also a significant gamble.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a significant gamble, but Skip Away redeemed his owner's faith by winning the Classic by six lengths in record time of 1 59.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We've done all kinds of studies, and the minimum number we've come up with is 250,000 New Yorkers who have a significant gambling problem that requires intervention," he said.

The New York Times

That's the gamble, and its a very significant gamble.

The New Yorker

These are people who have often grown up in households where there was already significant gambling; these are people who have often inherited a genetic predisposition to gambling, people who have experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse.

The Guardian

There is also evidence that Alan Berg had significant gambling debts.

The New York Times

In the 1960s and '70s, Las Vegas provided a battlefield on which the F.B.I., armed with bugging equipment (and caught using it illegally in 1965), defeated the mob, which had been involved from the start of significant gambling in Nevada in the 1940s.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant gamble" when you want to emphasize the importance and potential impact of a decision or action. It conveys a sense of high stakes and uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant gamble" when the potential consequences are minor or the outcome is relatively certain. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant gamble" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "gamble". It typically acts as a subject complement or object, describing an action or decision characterized by high risk and potential reward, as shown by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant gamble" denotes a situation characterized by high risk and potential for substantial rewards or losses. As noted by Ludwig AI, this noun phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science where risky decisions are often discussed. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the weight and uncertainty of an undertaking. When considering its use, make sure to clearly define the associated risks and rewards to provide necessary context for the reader. Be mindful not to overuse this phrase, as doing so can diminish its impact. Alternatives such as "a major risk" or "a bold move" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major risk

Emphasizes the potential for negative consequences or loss.

a considerable risk

Similar to "a major risk", but may imply a more carefully weighed decision.

a high-stakes endeavor

Highlights the potentially large rewards or losses associated with the undertaking.

a daring venture

Focuses on the boldness and potential for innovation in the undertaking.

a bold move

Highlights the courage and decisiveness involved in the action.

a calculated risk

Suggests that the potential outcomes have been carefully assessed before proceeding.

a strategic gamble

Highlights the fact that the gamble serves a broader strategic objective.

a chancy proposition

Emphasizes the high degree of uncertainty and unpredictability involved.

a precarious undertaking

Highlights the instability and potential for failure in the endeavor.

a long shot

Focuses on the low probability of success.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant gamble" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant gamble" to describe a situation with a high degree of risk and potential reward, such as "Investing in that startup was "a significant gamble", but it paid off handsomely."

What phrases are similar to "a significant gamble"?

Alternatives to "a significant gamble" include "a major risk", "a bold move", or "a calculated risk", each emphasizing different aspects of the situation.

When is it appropriate to use "a significant gamble" in writing?

Use "a significant gamble" when the decision or action involves high stakes and the outcome is uncertain. It's suitable when the potential rewards or losses are substantial.

Is "a significant gamble" formal or informal?

"A significant gamble" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends on the overall tone and audience of your writing. In more formal settings, you might consider alternatives like "a considerable risk".