calculated risk

USAGE SUMMARY

"calculated risk" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a risk that a person has considered carefully before deciding to take it. For example, "I decided to invest in a new business venture, but only after I had taken a calculated risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's calculated risk".

The Guardian

A calculated risk?

The New York Times

Talk about a calculated risk.

The New York Times

We take a calculated risk.

The Guardian

It is a calculated risk.

The New York Times - Sports

The bombing represents a calculated risk.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Calculated risks.

The New York Times - Arts

Take calculated risks.

The Guardian - Opinion

His world comes down to calculated risks.

The New York Times - Sports

Taking calculated risks gets my adrenaline pumping".

The New York Times

They don't fear taking calculated risks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing business strategies or investment decisions, use "calculated risk" to convey a sense of careful planning and analysis, distinguishing it from reckless or impulsive actions.

Common error

Avoid using "calculated risk" when the situation involves high stakes with little prior research or planning. Ensure your use reflects a careful assessment rather than a blind gamble.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calculated risk" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "calculated" modifies "risk", indicating a specific type of risk that has been carefully evaluated. It describes an action where potential outcomes have been considered, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "calculated risk" is a commonly used term that signifies a decision involving uncertainty, but made after careful evaluation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to describe situations where potential outcomes are thoughtfully considered. It is frequently used in News & Media, Formal & Business and Academic settings. Understanding its proper usage, as highlighted in the writing guidance, helps distinguish it from reckless actions. By exploring alternatives like "assessed risk", "strategic bet", or "informed decision" you can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assessed risk

Focuses on the process of evaluating the potential dangers.

deliberate gamble

Emphasizes the intentional nature of the risk taken.

informed decision

Highlights that the risk is undertaken with knowledge.

strategic bet

Implies that the risk is part of a larger plan or strategy.

measured hazard

Suggests that the risk has been carefully quantified.

prudent speculation

Indicates a cautious approach to risk-taking.

weighed option

Highlights that the risk was considered among other possibilities.

considered uncertainty

Focuses on the acceptance of potential unknowns.

planned exposure

Suggests a controlled encounter with risk.

reasoned endangerment

Implies that there was a justification for taking the risk.

FAQs

How is "calculated risk" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "calculated risk" is usually used to describe a situation where someone has carefully weighed the potential outcomes before making a decision involving uncertainty. For example, "Investing in that startup was a "calculated risk", but it paid off".

What are some alternatives to "calculated risk"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "assessed risk", "strategic bet", or "informed decision" instead of "calculated risk".

Is there a difference between a "calculated risk" and a gamble?

Yes, a "calculated risk" implies a degree of assessment and planning before undertaking something. A gamble, on the other hand, often suggests a greater reliance on chance with less analysis.

When is it appropriate to use the term "calculated risk"?

It's appropriate to use "calculated risk" when you want to emphasize that a decision, although involving potential loss or harm, was made after careful consideration of the likely outcomes and potential benefits.