a slight risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for a minor negative outcome in various contexts, such as finance, health, or safety. Example: "Investing in this startup carries a slight risk, but the potential rewards could be significant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a slight risk.

Cornell University

He acknowledges a slight risk to the pacemaker during physical contact.

The New York Times

Mr. Pataki runs a slight risk of losing the conservative wing of his party.

The New York Times

The drug also carries a slight risk of impotence, lasting as long as it is used.

The New York Times

For the most vigorous of nose-pickers, there's a slight risk of breaking blood vessels as well.

Columbia University

But I also had a slight risk of dying from just about anything.

The New York Times

But these procedures are invasive and carry a slight risk of inducing a miscarriage.

The New York Times - Health

Both amniocentesis and CVS tests carry a slight risk of miscarriage.

The Economist

She was told the surgery would present no complications other than a slight risk of glaucoma.

The New York Times

East won the first trick by ruffing the dummy's king and took a slight risk by cashing the club ace.

The New York Times - Arts

Slaughtering cattle that cannot walk, known as "downer" cattle, poses a slight risk of introducing disease into the food supply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating risk, use "a slight risk" to reassure stakeholders that the potential negative impact is minimal, but avoid overusing it to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a slight risk" when the actual potential consequences are significant; this can mislead your audience and damage your reputation for honesty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight risk" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes the presence of danger, but with a low probability of occurrence. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows it being used across varied contexts to denote minimal potential harm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight risk" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to indicate a minimal possibility of a negative outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While it's important to avoid exaggerating risk and be honest in your communications, using this phrase effectively can reassure stakeholders about potential downsides. Alternatives like "a minor risk" or "a small risk" can be used depending on the specific context to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor risk

Replaces "slight" with "minor", suggesting a similarly low level of risk.

a small risk

Uses "small" instead of "slight", implying a minimal potential for harm or loss.

a minimal risk

Emphasizes the insignificance of the risk involved.

a negligible risk

Suggests the risk is so small it can be disregarded.

a remote possibility

Shifts the focus to the low likelihood of the event occurring.

a low probability

Focuses on the numerical likelihood of the risk materializing.

a limited threat

Frames the risk as a threat with restricted impact.

a marginal chance

Indicates a very slim opportunity for something adverse to happen.

a modest hazard

Replaces risk with hazard to indicate a potential source of danger that is limited in scope.

a theoretical risk

Highlights that the risk might exist only in theory, not necessarily in practice.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight risk" to indicate a small possibility of something negative occurring. For example, "There is "a slight risk" of complications after the surgery".

What phrases are similar to "a slight risk"?

Alternatives to "a slight risk" include "a minor risk", "a small risk", or "a minimal risk" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a slight risk" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slight risk" is appropriate for formal writing as it is a clear and professional way to communicate a low level of potential danger or negative outcome.

What's the difference between "a slight risk" and "a significant risk"?

"A slight risk" indicates a low probability of something adverse occurring, while "a significant risk" implies a much higher probability and potentially more serious consequences.