constituted a risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constituted a risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, actions, or conditions that pose a potential danger or threat. Example: "The lack of safety measures constituted a risk to the workers on the site."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The court agreed that sending Soering into U.S. custody constituted a risk of being "subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment".

The New Yorker

It found that the first and second applicant travelled for an abortion for reasons of health and/or well-being, while the third applicant travelled for an abortion as she mainly feared her pregnancy constituted a risk to her life.

Harvard University

Anthony Ford-Shubrook applied to St Dominic's sixth-form college in Harrow, Middlesex, but was rejected without interview when the college decided that his potential use of a climbing wheelchair to reach first-floor rooms constituted a risk to other students.

The Guardian

A recent study by University of Michigan physicians showed elevated levels of heavy metals in the blood of residents living near the mine, but said they were uncertain whether those levels constituted a risk.

Huffington Post

Poverty constituted a risk factor for mental disorders also in men.

BMJ Open

However, his job (a municipal gardener) constituted a risk factor for tick bites in urban green spaces.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

So what constitutes a risk?

The Guardian - Sport

"For example, a plain piece of pork doesn't constitute a risk on its own.

The Guardian

"In my experience, accepting a student with a B at A level does not constitute a risk.

The Guardian - Arts

But a Jordanian government with little Islamist or Palestinian representation also constitutes a risk.

The Economist

To examine possible reasons why a male fetus constitutes a risk factor for preterm delivery.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constituted a risk", clearly specify what entity or group was at risk and what potential negative outcome could occur. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "constituted a risk" without clearly defining the source of the risk. Saying something "constituted a risk" without further explanation leaves the reader wondering what the specific danger was.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constituted a risk" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something created or presented a potential for danger or harm. It is used to assess situations and actions within a context, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constituted a risk" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express that something presented a potential danger. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently encountered in scientific and news contexts, though it can be used across different registers. For clarity, it is important to clearly specify what or who was at risk and the nature of the potential harm. Alternatives include phrases like "posed a threat" or "represented a hazard". Therefore, knowing the nuances of this expression is useful to improve your overall writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

posed a threat

This alternative emphasizes the potential for harm or danger.

presented a danger

This highlights the presence of something that could cause harm.

represented a hazard

This emphasizes the hazardous nature of the situation.

created a peril

This highlights the creation or introduction of a source of danger.

involved a hazard

This indicates the inclusion of a hazardous element or component.

carried a threat

This highlights the inherent potential for danger in a given situation.

gave rise to danger

This focuses on the origination of danger as a consequence of the situation.

led to jeopardy

This indicates that the situation resulted in a state of risk or danger.

introduced vulnerability

This emphasizes the creation of a weakness or susceptibility to harm.

entailed potential harm

This highlights that the action or situation included the possibility of harm.

FAQs

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

Use "constituted a risk" to describe something that posed a danger or threat. For example, "The lack of safety measures constituted a risk to the workers."

What are some alternatives to "constituted a risk"?

You can use alternatives such as "posed a threat", "presented a danger", or "represented a hazard" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "constituted a risk" or "posed a risk"?

Both "constituted a risk" and "posed a risk" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and context.

What is the difference between a hazard and something that "constituted a risk"?

A hazard is a potential source of danger, while something that "constituted a risk" means that the hazard was actually creating a potential for harm or negative consequences. A hazard needs to be active or present to be considered a risk.