certain risk

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain risk" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to specify a specific type or level of risk, rather than a general risk. Example: "Although there is a certain risk involved, I believe it is worth investing in this opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Many patients will accept a certain risk".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Happiness involves a wager, a certain risk," he told me.

The New Yorker

So should certain risk factors, especially if there are more than one.

The New York Times

It's better than chocolate and ice cream.' There's a certain risk connected with outdoor pools, however.

The Guardian - Money

"International terrorism poses a certain risk to sports," the committee's president, Jacques Rogge, said.

The New York Times - Sports

Some agencies accept blood from people with certain risk factors and use it for research.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When you change, there is always a certain risk," Mr. Ohnesorg said.

The New York Times

A certain risk of proliferation through nuclear power technologies and materials cannot be excluded altogether.

Nuclear Energy and Technology

But patients with certain risk factors may qualify for more frequent colonoscopies under the new guidelines.

The New York Times - Health

"He plays on the edge, and there's a certain risk of getting penalized".

The New York Times - Sports

To be successful in anything, you have to take a certain risk.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain risk" when you want to specify the presence of a known or identifiable hazard associated with a particular action or situation. This emphasizes that the risk is not merely theoretical but has a concrete basis.

Common error

Avoid using "certain risk" when referring to vague or undefined threats. Instead, opt for broader terms like "risk" or "potential danger" if the specific nature of the risk is unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain risk" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify a specific hazard or danger associated with a particular situation or action. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to specify a particular type or level of risk.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain risk" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a specific, identifiable hazard. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's typically used to specify the type or level of risk, rather than a general risk. The phrase appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts. Related phrases include "specific hazard" and "particular danger". When using "certain risk", it's best to ensure that the risk is indeed known and identifiable, avoiding its use for vague or undefined threats. The phrase helps highlight the concrete nature of a potential danger, contributing to informed decision-making and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Specific hazard

Replaces "risk" with "hazard", implying a more concrete and identifiable danger.

Particular danger

Similar to "certain risk" but uses "danger", emphasizing the potential for harm.

Known peril

Substitutes "risk" with "peril", suggesting a more immediate and serious threat. And "known" replaces "certain" indicating the risk is already known.

Identifiable threat

Focuses on the ability to recognize and name the risk, using "threat" to highlight potential harm.

Defined exposure

Emphasizes the extent to which one is subjected to the risk, particularly in technical or scientific contexts.

Calculated gamble

Highlights the element of chance and the consideration of potential outcomes.

Deliberate undertaking

Stresses the intentional nature of accepting the risk, often in a business or strategic setting.

Understood vulnerability

Emphasizes awareness of the susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

Foreseeable complication

Highlights the predictable nature of the risk and its potential to cause problems.

Recognized uncertainty

Focuses on the acknowledged lack of complete knowledge and the potential for unexpected outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain risk" to highlight a specific danger associated with an action. For example, "There is a "certain risk" involved in investing in new ventures." or "Undertaking this medical procedure carries a "certain risk" of complications".

What are some alternatives to "certain risk"?

Alternatives include "specific hazard", "particular danger", or "known peril" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "certain risk" or "certain risks"?

The choice depends on context. Use "certain risk" when referring to a singular, identifiable risk. Use "certain risks" when referring to multiple, distinct risks.

What's the difference between "certain risk" and "potential risk"?

"Certain risk" implies a known or established risk, whereas "potential risk" suggests a possible but not yet confirmed risk.