at risk of developing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at risk of developing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or probability of someone or something developing a particular condition or issue. Example: "Individuals with a family history of diabetes are often at risk of developing the disease themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Needs", however, is defined as "at risk of developing symptoms".

The Economist

Emotional processing has rarely been investigated in those "at risk" of developing an eating disorder.

Eating Behaviors

In Britain 3m people have, or are at risk of developing, osteoporosis.

The Guardian

You should also get medical advice if you are at risk of developing complications.

The Guardian

Hundreds of thousands more were found to be at risk of developing the disease.

The Guardian

People with low levels of stomach acid or who lack intrinsic factor are at risk of developing a B12 deficiency.

The New York Times - Health

But since women with PCOS are already at risk of developing heart disease, overconsuming saturated fats and cholesterol is unwise.

The New York Times - Health

A person infected by hantavirus is at risk of developing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory condition.

The Guardian

People taking diuretics to control high blood pressure or edema are especially at risk of developing a potassium deficiency.

The New York Times - Health

Those meeting three or four criteria are generally considered problem gamblers at risk of developing more serious gambling addictions.

The New York Times

The findings, he adds, could also open up new possibilities for testing and monitoring those at risk of developing sarcomas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at risk of developing", clearly specify the condition or issue being referred to. This provides clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

Be specific about what someone is "at risk of developing". Saying someone is simply "at risk" is too vague; provide the context for what potential negative outcome you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at risk of developing" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a potential future state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express the likelihood of someone experiencing a negative outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at risk of developing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the potential for someone or something to experience a negative outcome or condition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

It's used across a range of contexts, from scientific and medical research to news reports, indicating a neutral to formal register. To maximize clarity, always specify the condition or issue being referred to and avoid vague statements. Alternatives include "susceptible to developing" and "vulnerable to developing", but the original phrase remains a versatile and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at increased risk for developing

Adds emphasis to the level of risk involved.

susceptible to developing

Focuses on inherent vulnerability or predisposition.

vulnerable to developing

Highlights a state of weakness or exposure.

prone to developing

Emphasizes a natural inclination or tendency.

in danger of developing

Indicates an imminent or immediate threat.

faces the risk of developing

Adds a sense of confrontation with the potential outcome.

liable to develop

Suggests a legal or formal responsibility.

potentially developing

Highlights the possibility, but not the certainty.

may develop

Expresses possibility in a more concise manner.

could develop

Similar to "may develop", indicating a chance of occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "at risk of developing" in a sentence?

Use "at risk of developing" to indicate that someone or something has a higher chance of experiencing a negative outcome or condition. For example, "People with high cholesterol are "at risk of developing heart disease"".

What are some alternatives to "at risk of developing"?

You can use alternatives such as "susceptible to developing", "vulnerable to developing", or "prone to developing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "at risk to develop" or "at risk of developing"?

"At risk of developing" is the correct and more commonly used phrasing. The preposition "of" requires a gerund (developing) rather than an infinitive (to develop).

What factors contribute to being "at risk of developing" a certain condition?

Risk factors vary depending on the condition, but can include genetics, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and pre-existing health conditions. Identifying these factors can help in preventative measures.