at its peril

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its peril" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is taking a risk or facing potential danger by proceeding with a certain action. Example: "The company decided to ignore the safety regulations at its peril, risking the well-being of its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"In an era of easy mobility, a region defers change at its peril," it said.

The New York Times

Clegg risked annoying Tories by defending the Human Rights Act, which David Cameron's manifesto promised to scrap, and warned: "Any government would tamper with it at its peril".

The Guardian

But, among all the blood and guts, there is an important message to his own party which it ignores at its peril.

Independent

"Either party that ignores it does so at its peril.

The New York Times

The government has learned that it appears insensitive at its peril.

The New York Times

According to Rieff, a prolific writer on foreign affairs, humanitarian aid recently hitched its wagon to the human rights movement -- and it did so at its peril.

The New York Times - Books

Nevertheless, the United States is devaluing college teachers just as surely as it is "deskilling" grade school teachers, and it is doing so at its peril.

Huffington Post

The chiropractic profession can choose to be illiterate, but it will do so at its peril.

Chiropractic and Manual Therapies

It plays unthinkingly with nationalism at its peril.

The Economist

AS THE world has learned, it ignores El Niño's gentle balm at its peril.

The Economist

One of the problems I have with the New Atheism is that it fixates on ethics, ignoring aesthetics at its peril.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the subject and the potential negative consequences are clear to the reader. This enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "at its peril" in very informal or casual contexts, as it can sound overly dramatic or out of place. This phrase is best suited for situations where there is a real and significant risk involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its peril" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the manner in which an action is performed, emphasizing the potential danger or negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its peril" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to highlight significant risks associated with a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as in more formal and business writing. When using "at its peril", ensure clarity and appropriate formality to maximize its impact. Alternatives such as "at their own risk" or "to their detriment" may be suitable depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at their own risk

Emphasizes individual responsibility for potential negative outcomes.

to their detriment

Focuses on the harm or damage that someone will experience.

to their cost

Highlights the expense or sacrifice involved.

with negative consequences

Directly states that bad results will follow.

inviting disaster

Suggests that the action will bring about a calamitous result.

courting danger

Implies actively seeking a risky situation.

risking everything

Highlights the potential loss of all assets.

playing with fire

Uses a metaphor to convey the danger of the situation.

going against the grain

Focuses on a nonconformist approach with potential adverse effects.

tempting fate

Implies challenging one's destiny with a risky move.

FAQs

How can I use "at its peril" in a sentence?

You can use "at its peril" to warn about the risks of a particular action. For example, "The company ignores customer feedback "at its peril", potentially losing market share."

What are some alternatives to saying "at its peril"?

Alternatives include "at their own risk", "to their detriment", or "with negative consequences", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at their peril" instead of "at its peril"?

Yes, "at their peril" is correct when referring to a plural subject. "At its peril" is used for singular, non-personal subjects, while "at his/her peril" can be used for a singular personal subject.

What is the difference between "at its peril" and "at its own risk"?

"At its peril" often implies a more severe or far-reaching consequence than "at its own risk". "At its peril" suggests significant danger, while "at its own risk" is more general and could refer to any kind of potential downside.