a tiny risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tiny risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood of a negative outcome that is minimal or insignificant. Example: "While there is a tiny risk involved in the procedure, the benefits far outweigh any potential downsides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The spraying is a tiny risk to birds compared to what West Nile is doing".

The New York Times

But it's a tiny risk; much lower than many of the other things we do every day.

The New York Times - Science

The classic jobsworth would rather close a building down than run a tiny risk of harm to life or limb.

The Guardian - Arts

"Clearly there is an argument to be made in the realm of, yeah, this is a tiny risk".

The New Yorker

Recently, a killed polio vaccine has come back into use in the United States because the live virus vaccine presents a tiny risk of giving people the disease.

The New York Times

In the case of Ebola, North Korea's efforts to defend itself from what appears to be a tiny risk may end up alienating it from foreigners who have been willing to invest there.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

If you have watched the very, very rare case of a woman dying in a pool of blood – a tiny, tiny risk – you will nevertheless do everything you can now to prevent that ever happening again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We all know when we get on an airplane, there is that tiny risk we won't get off, and it is a risk most of us are willing to take.

Huffington Post

"Although such losses at any time are regrettable, and NASA agrees with the I.G. report that continuing to improve certain procedures could reduce the rate at which they occur, the benefits to science of making these samples available for study have vastly outweighed the tiny risk of loss," a NASA spokesman in Houston, William P. Jeffs, said in a statement.

The New York Times - Science

Many London commuters might have preferred a tiny extra risk to weeks of discomfort and delay.

The Economist

"These workers may show a tiny increased risk of cancer over their lifetimes," said Gerry Thomas, professor of molecular pathology at Imperial College, London University.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tiny risk", clearly contextualize it by comparing it to a greater risk or benefit to emphasize its insignificance. For instance, "The potential benefits outweigh a tiny risk of complications."

Common error

Avoid using "a tiny risk" in situations where the potential negative outcome, however small the probability, carries severe consequences. Even a minuscule chance of a catastrophic event might warrant more caution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tiny risk" functions as a noun phrase, where "tiny" modifies the noun "risk". It describes a situation where the probability of something unfavorable occurring is exceptionally low. Ludwig AI validates the usability of this phrase, based on existing examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a tiny risk" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a situation where the probability of a negative outcome is very low. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is versatile enough for use in diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific discourse, with the primary aim of downplaying potential dangers. While the phrase is generally safe to use, it's crucial to consider the potential severity of the consequences, ensuring the language appropriately reflects the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal risk

Emphasizes the extremely low level of risk involved.

negligible risk

Indicates that the risk is so small it can be safely disregarded.

slight risk

Suggests a small or barely perceptible chance of something negative occurring.

remote possibility

Highlights the unlikelihood of the risk materializing.

small chance

Focuses on the reduced probability of a negative event.

low probability

Uses more formal language to describe the reduced likelihood.

theoretical risk

Suggests that the risk is more hypothetical than practical.

insignificant risk

Indicates that the risk is too small to be of concern.

limited danger

Focuses on the restricted potential for harm.

minor hazard

Highlights the minimal level of danger posed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tiny risk" to describe situations where the probability of a negative outcome is very small. For example: "There's "a tiny risk" involved in the surgery, but the potential benefits are significant."

What's the difference between "a tiny risk" and "a small risk"?

While both phrases indicate a low probability of something negative happening, ""a tiny risk"" suggests an even smaller chance than "a small risk". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to place on the insignificance of the risk.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "a tiny risk"?

Yes, avoid using ""a tiny risk"" if the potential consequences are severe, even if the likelihood is minimal. In such cases, it's better to acknowledge the potential impact, regardless of its probability.

What can I say instead of "a tiny risk"?

You can use alternatives like "minimal risk", "negligible risk", or "slight risk" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.