avoid risk

USAGE SUMMARY

"avoid risk" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to advise someone to be cautious and not take chances that could potentially result in harm or negative consequences. Example: Before making any decisions, it is important to carefully consider and avoid any potential risks that could impact the success of the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The solution is not to tolerate mistakes or avoid risk.

Harvard Business Review

Don't avoid risk altogether – just confine that ambition to choosing an edgy or original lesson topic.

The Guardian

Industrial strategy suggests having a long-term vision to avoid risk and grasp opportunity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those who wanted to avoid risk altogether, for example, might stop eating beef.

The New York Times - Science

So with investors deciding to avoid risk, the FTSE 100 finished 39.36 points lower at 5498.71.

The Guardian - Business

"Most people starting businesses do everything they can to avoid risk," he said.

The New York Times

Instead, it is a cynical play to avoid risk for both sides.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trustees must manage not avoid risk We must move away from risk aversion to risk management.

The Guardian

The managerial power ethic favors collective leadership and seeks to avoid risk.

Harvard Business Review

There will always be a reason to avoid risk, and there's a cost for failure.

The Washington Post

The law also requires trustees to diversify their investments to avoid risk of large losses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avoid risk" when emphasizing the importance of staying away from potential dangers or negative outcomes. It's suitable in contexts where the goal is prevention and safety.

Common error

While "avoid risk" is useful for emphasizing safety, recognize that some situations require calculated risks for growth or innovation. In these cases, consider phrases like "manage risk" or "mitigate risk" to convey a more balanced approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid risk" functions as an infinitive phrase often used to express purpose or intention. It indicates the goal of preventing exposure to potential harm or negative consequences. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, from personal safety to financial investments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid risk" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the intention of preventing exposure to potential dangers or negative outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While generally advisable, it's important to recognize that some situations necessitate calculated risks, where alternative phrases like "mitigate risk" or "manage risk" may be more appropriate. Understanding the nuances of risk and choosing the right phrase can significantly improve clarity and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mitigate risk

Focuses on reducing the severity of a risk rather than completely avoiding it.

reduce risk

Emphasizes lowering the probability or impact of a risk, without necessarily eliminating it.

minimize risk

Similar to reducing risk, but with a stronger connotation of attempting to reach the lowest possible level of risk.

avert risk

Implies preventing a risk from occurring altogether, often through proactive measures.

evade risk

Suggests skillfully escaping or sidestepping a risk.

steer clear of risk

An idiomatic expression that means to deliberately keep away from a potential risk.

shun risk

Implies deliberately and consistently avoiding risk, often due to a strong aversion.

play it safe

A more informal phrase that means to choose the most cautious option to avoid potential problems.

exercise caution

Highlights the need for careful consideration and prudence to prevent potential harm.

take precautions

Emphasizes taking specific actions to protect oneself from potential risks.

FAQs

How can I use "avoid risk" in a sentence?

You can use "avoid risk" to describe actions taken to prevent potential dangers or negative outcomes. For example, "The company implemented new safety protocols to "avoid risk" of accidents in the workplace."

What are some alternatives to "avoid risk"?

Some alternatives to "avoid risk" include "mitigate risk", "reduce risk", or "minimize risk". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of risk management you want to convey.

Is it always best to "avoid risk"?

While avoiding unnecessary risks is generally wise, some situations require calculated risks for progress or innovation. The key is to understand and "manage risk" effectively rather than simply avoiding it altogether.

What's the difference between "avoid risk" and "mitigate risk"?

"Avoid risk" implies completely staying away from a potential danger, while "mitigate risk" means taking steps to reduce the severity or likelihood of a risk. Mitigation acknowledges the risk exists and focuses on minimizing its impact.