a significant risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential dangers or uncertainties in various contexts, such as finance, health, or safety. Example: "Investing in this startup presents a significant risk due to its lack of a proven business model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A significant risk".

The New York Times - Sports

"There would be a significant risk," saidBlaber.

The Guardian - Tech

Still, the vote represents a significant risk.

The New York Times

Felda's investors should consider this deal a significant risk.

The Guardian

Those who listen to foreign broadcasts take a significant risk.

The Guardian

This would create a significant risk that Britain could be downgraded, it said.

The Guardian - Business

Gold: Not a high risk of attack, but definitely greater than a significant risk.

The New York Times

The Federal Reserve is now saying there's a significant risk of a downturn.

The New York Times

He was subsequently assessed as posing a "significant risk" to others.

The Guardian

The warning stated: "The situation is serious and there is a significant risk to life".

The Guardian

He ruled that Mr. Giacchetto presented a significant risk of flight and revoked his bail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant risk", quantify the risk if possible. For example, instead of saying "There is a significant risk of data breach", specify "There is a significant risk of a 20% data breach within the next quarter".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the risk implied by "a significant risk". Ensure the severity of the potential negative outcome aligns with the use of the phrase. For example, avoid saying "There is a significant risk of minor inconvenience" when a more serious threat is suggested.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant risk" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies something that poses a potential danger or negative consequence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used and accepted in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a significant risk" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a noteworthy potential for harm or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, with a high concentration in news, media, and scientific publications. When employing this phrase, consider quantifying the risk and ensuring the level of danger aligns with the message. Alternative expressions such as "a considerable danger" or "a substantial hazard" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable danger

Replaces "risk" with "danger", emphasizing the potential for harm.

a substantial hazard

Substitutes "risk" with "hazard", suggesting a more concrete or immediate danger.

a notable threat

Replaces "risk" with "threat", highlighting the potential for intentional harm.

a major peril

Substitutes "risk" with "peril", implying a more serious and imminent danger.

a serious concern

Replaces "risk" with "concern", downplaying the potential for harm but emphasizing worry.

a high possibility

Shifts focus from the negative impact of risk to the likelihood of an undesirable event.

a real possibility

Changes "significant" to "real", which has the impact of stating something may or may not happen.

a potential problem

Replaces "risk" with "problem", reducing the sense of immediate danger.

a dangerous prospect

Changes the noun to "prospect", referring to something that could happen in the future and is risky.

a weighty gamble

Highlights the aspect of uncertainty and potential loss associated with the risk.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant risk" to highlight the potential for a considerably negative outcome. For example, "Investing in unproven technologies carries "a significant risk" of financial loss".

What are some alternatives to "a significant risk"?

Alternatives include "a considerable danger", "a substantial hazard", or "a notable threat", depending on the specific context and the level of severity you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a significant risk"?

It's appropriate when the potential negative outcome is considerable and noteworthy. Avoid using it for minor or trivial matters.

Is "a significant risk" formal or informal?

"A significant risk" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "a substantial hazard" might be preferable in certain professional or academic settings.