at substantial risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at substantial risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where there is a significant chance of harm or loss occurring. Example: "The project is at substantial risk of failure due to lack of funding and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How long can U.S. continue without such policy, without putting the climate at substantial risk?

Columbia University

On the other hand, the net present value of innumerable future income streams, the value of all other companies, is at substantial risk from climate change.

The Guardian

However, most patients receiving long-term aspirin therapy still remain at substantial risk of thrombotic events due to insufficient inhibition of platelets, specifically via the thromboxane A2 pathway.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

It cut Greece's rating to CCC+/C from B-/B, a level it considers puts the country at "substantial risk" of a default.

The Guardian - Business

One particular concern is that children who show high rates of callous-unemotional behaviour in combination with antisocial behaviour at seven years of age are at substantial risk of being diagnosed with psychopathy later in life.

The Guardian

Lousy urban planning means an interstate highway is also the "main street" of the town, so all pedestrians (and some motor vehicles) are at substantial risk of injury/death by distracted drivers.

Harvard University

In this article we discuss the challenges of applying each principle to population research on domestic violence, an issue in which poorly designed research could put women in violent relationships at substantial risk.

The Lancet

Greece is at substantial risk of a default, one of the world's three leading ratings agencies said on Wednesday, as it downgraded the debt of the struggling eurozone country.

The Guardian - Business

Mr Obama may not be likely to win those states, and therefore the election, by a particularly large margin, but that does not mean he is at substantial risk of losing them.The other explanation is the old "false balance" problem.

The Economist

BACKGROUND: Patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy are at substantial risk for sudden death from cardiac causes.

Duke University

Legions of people are underemployed in low-paying service sector jobs which, when combined with our region's soaring rents, put them at substantial risk of homelessness.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at substantial risk" to convey a significant probability of negative outcomes, ensuring the context clarifies the nature and potential impact of the risk.

Common error

Avoid using "at substantial risk" when the possibility of harm is minimal or speculative. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and create unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at substantial risk" functions as a predicate adjective describing the state of a subject that faces a significant probability of danger or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at substantial risk" is a versatile expression used to indicate a significant likelihood of negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse fields, particularly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While "at substantial risk" is appropriate for formal and neutral communication, it's crucial to avoid overstating the risk when the chance of harm is minimal. Alternatives like "at great risk", "in considerable danger", and "highly vulnerable" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at great risk

A more general and widely used synonym.

in considerable danger

Emphasizes the severity of the potential harm.

in grave danger

Emphasizes the severity and seriousness of the danger.

under significant threat

Highlights the presence of an active danger.

exposed to significant hazard

Emphasizes the presence of a danger that one is open to.

facing serious peril

Suggests an imminent and grave danger.

subject to considerable jeopardy

Implies a formal or legal context of danger.

highly vulnerable

Focuses on the weakness or susceptibility of the subject.

in a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of the circumstances.

on thin ice

An idiomatic expression suggesting a risky situation.

FAQs

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

Use "at substantial risk" to indicate a significant likelihood of experiencing harm or negative consequences. For example, "Without proper safety measures, workers are at substantial risk of injury."

What are some alternatives to "at substantial risk"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "at great risk", "in considerable danger", or "highly vulnerable".

Is it correct to say "at substantial risk of" or "at substantial risk for"?

Both are acceptable, but "at substantial risk of" is generally preferred when referring to a specific negative outcome (e.g., "at substantial risk of default"), while "at substantial risk for" is common when referring to a condition or disease (e.g., "at substantial risk for HIV infection").

What makes something qualify as "at substantial risk"?

The term implies a significant and quantifiable chance of harm or loss, often supported by evidence or data. The level of risk should be more than minimal but not necessarily certain.