at risk of harm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at risk of harm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is in danger of being harmed or injured. Example: "The children playing near the busy road are at risk of harm due to the heavy traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We felt children were put at risk of harm".

The Guardian

Blaming the girls for putting themselves at risk of harm.

The Guardian

"Women appear to be more at risk of harm.

The Guardian

Might he be at risk of harm or suicide?

The New York Times

One of them, Tania Mathias, said accepting children at risk of harm in Europe was the "right thing to do".

The Guardian

This can be that the disappearance is out of character or that they may be at risk of harm.

Independent

A spokesman said: "PC Duffy knew that, or ought to have known that, Mr Ebrahimi was at risk of harm.

Independent

Rather than charge him with a criminal offence, the court applied for a protection order, alleging his parents' neglect put him at risk of harm.

The Guardian

Spending money on updating police IT systems so that more forces can identify and prioritise repeat callers, particularly those most at risk of harm, would be far better.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he said, "I think it would be unrealistic — you can never rule it out — to think he's at risk of harm here in the United States".

The New York Times

But to take him with her would be to remove him from everything he knows, also putting him at risk of harm.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at risk of harm", clearly identify the source or cause of the potential harm to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The child is at risk of harm", specify "The child is at risk of harm due to neglect".

Common error

Avoid using "at risk of harm" in overly broad or vague contexts without specifying the nature of the harm or the factors contributing to the risk. Be specific to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at risk of harm" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of potential danger or vulnerability. This usage is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, which consistently show the phrase describing individuals or entities that are susceptible to harm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at risk of harm" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where someone or something is vulnerable to potential danger. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun to express concern and highlight potential danger. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and formal business communications. While primarily found in News & Media, it also appears frequently in Science and Formal & Business settings. When using "at risk of harm", it's important to be specific about the source and nature of the potential harm to maintain clarity and avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in danger of harm

Replaces "at risk" with "in danger", emphasizing the imminence of the potential harm.

vulnerable to harm

Focuses on the susceptibility of the subject to harm.

exposed to danger

Highlights the exposure to a dangerous situation.

susceptible to injury

Replaces "harm" with "injury", suggesting physical damage.

in a precarious situation

Indicates an unstable or uncertain condition that could lead to harm.

facing potential danger

Emphasizes the potential or possibility of danger.

under threat of harm

Suggests a direct threat that could result in harm.

in jeopardy

A more formal way of saying "in danger", implying a serious risk.

compromised safety

Focuses on the state of safety being reduced or threatened.

threatened with injury

Highlights the potential for physical injury as a result of a threat.

FAQs

What does "at risk of harm" mean?

The phrase "at risk of harm" describes a situation where someone or something is in a position where they could be hurt, injured, or damaged.

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

You can use it to describe vulnerable individuals or situations. For example: "Children in that area are "at risk of harm" due to the presence of dangerous chemicals."

What are some alternatives to saying "at risk of harm"?

Alternatives include "in danger of harm", "vulnerable to harm", or "exposed to danger".

Is it better to say "at risk of harm" or "in danger of harm"?

Both phrases are correct and similar in meaning. "At risk of harm" might be slightly more common in formal contexts, while "in danger of harm" can convey a more immediate threat.