almost risk-free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost risk-free" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or investment that carries very low risk, but not entirely without risk. Example: "Investing in government bonds is considered almost risk-free compared to stocks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In the past, electronic spying was seen as remote and almost risk-free.

The Economist

These make sense in theory; to treat mortgage-backed securities as almost risk-free was nonsense.

The Economist

Though his duties were almost risk-free (he was a clerk on board the U.S.S. Minnesota, chasing unarmed blockade runners), he jumped ship anyway.

The New Yorker

With an estimated 5,000 people on the move at any time, including those in Indonesia, well-organized syndicates are earning millions of dollars almost risk-free.

The New York Times

He added that a concession to Mr. Pollard's supporters in the waning days of Mr. Clinton's presidency, when such actions are almost risk-free politically, would still arouse deep resentment among law enforcement and intelligence officials.

The New York Times

Or was he injecting common sense into a debate that has been distorted since the Gulf war by an exaggerated faith in high-tech weaponry and the promise of swift, almost risk-free victory?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The "spread" on this trade amounts to a gift from the government, and, because the Fed has promised to keep rates low for the indefinite future, it is almost risk free.

The New Yorker

The Fed was a target on this count when it was observed that banks could borrow for nothing from the central bank and buy Treasuries, thereby turning an easy and almost risk free profit.

The Economist

The investors claim that the banks touted their bonds as virtually risk-free, even as they clearly knew these securities were jammed full of mortgages almost certain to default.

Huffington Post

To avoid this, some fund managers periodically waive their fees in exchange for an almost-risk-free priority allocation of profits taxed at capital gains rates.

The New York Times

Their quick and almost entirely risk-free profits were effectively gifts, and the investment banks the givers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing investments or activities, clearly define what aspects are considered "almost risk-free" and acknowledge any residual risks to maintain transparency and accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "almost risk-free" when there is a significant potential for loss or negative outcomes. Always ensure that the context accurately reflects a genuinely low-risk scenario.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost risk-free" functions as a pre-modifying adjective describing a noun. It suggests that the noun it modifies has a very low level of risk associated with it. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost risk-free" is a grammatically sound way to describe situations or investments that carry a minimal, but not nonexistent, level of risk. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used in a neutral to professional context, frequently found in news and business communications. Alternatives include "virtually risk-free" and "nearly risk-free". When using the phrase, ensure accuracy by acknowledging any remaining risks and avoiding its use when the potential for loss is significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually risk-free

Indicates that the risk is so minimal as to be practically non-existent.

nearly risk-free

Emphasizes that the risk is very close to being non-existent.

practically risk-free

Highlights the practical absence of risk in most real-world scenarios.

largely risk-free

Suggests that the majority of aspects are without risk.

mostly risk-free

Similar to largely risk-free, indicating that the main portion involves no risk.

relatively risk-free

Indicates a lower risk compared to other options.

fairly risk-free

Suggests a moderate level of safety from risk.

largely devoid of risk

Changes the structure to focus on the absence of risk.

minimally risky

Uses a different adjective to describe the level of risk.

substantially risk-free

Highlights the significant degree to which risk is absent.

FAQs

What does "almost risk-free" mean?

The phrase "almost risk-free" means that something has a very low level of risk but is not entirely without risk. There's still a small chance of something going wrong.

What can I say instead of "almost risk-free"?

You can use alternatives like "virtually risk-free", "nearly risk-free", or "practically risk-free" depending on the context.

Is "almost risk-free" the same as "risk-free"?

No, "almost risk-free" indicates a minimal amount of risk is still present, whereas "risk-free" implies there is absolutely no risk at all. They are not interchangeable.

How do you use "almost risk-free" in a sentence?

You can use "almost risk-free" to describe investments or activities. For example: "Investing in government bonds is considered "almost risk-free" compared to stocks."