are at risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are at risk" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something is in danger or exposed to potential harm or negative consequences. Example: "We must take action to protect the endangered species that are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bikers themselves are at risk.

The New Yorker

Multilateral institutions are at risk.

The Economist

"They are at risk of breaking away".

The New Yorker

Thousands of jobs are at risk.

The Economist

But several large companies are at risk.

The New York Times

Police officers, in particular, are at risk.

The New Yorker

"Both of those are at risk".

The New York Times

Even here, they are at risk.

The Economist

Few contracts are at risk of cancellation.

The Economist

And children who are at risk".

The New York Times

Thousands of lives are at risk".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are at risk", clearly specify what they are at risk of. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Children are at risk", say "Children are at risk of exploitation".

Common error

Avoid using "are at risk" without specifying the potential negative outcome. Saying something is "at risk" without context weakens the statement's impact. Always clarify the specific danger or threat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are at risk" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that the subject is in a situation where they could experience harm or danger. The examples show its use in diverse contexts, from endangered species to economic factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are at risk" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote potential danger or vulnerability, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to highlight and warn about possible negative outcomes. To use it effectively, specify the potential threat to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "are in danger" or "are vulnerable" offer similar meanings, "are at risk" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. Remember, clearly stating what someone or something is at risk of is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in danger

Replaces "at risk" with "in danger", focusing on the state of being threatened.

are in jeopardy

Indicates a situation of high risk or danger.

are under threat

Indicates an active and present danger.

are threatened

Highlights the condition of being under threat.

are endangered

Emphasizes the threat of extinction or complete loss.

are vulnerable

Highlights susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

are imperiled

A more formal way of saying something is in serious danger.

face potential harm

Focuses on the possibility of experiencing harm.

are susceptible to

Highlights a predisposition to be affected by something negative.

are exposed to

Focuses on the lack of protection from a potential danger.

FAQs

How can I use "are at risk" in a sentence?

Use "are at risk" to indicate that someone or something is in a situation where they could be harmed or experience something negative. For instance, "Endangered species "are at risk" of extinction due to habitat loss".

What's a more formal alternative to "are at risk"?

Alternatives such as "are in jeopardy" or "are imperiled" can be used in more formal contexts to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct: "are at risk" or "is at risk"?

"Are at risk" is used when referring to plural subjects, while "is at risk" is used for singular subjects. For example, "The children are at risk" versus "The child is at risk".

What can I say instead of "are at risk" to emphasize vulnerability?

You can use alternatives like "are vulnerable" or "are susceptible to" to highlight a weakness or predisposition to harm.