could be at risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be at risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential dangers or vulnerabilities in various contexts, such as health, safety, or security. Example: "The data stored on the server could be at risk if proper security measures are not implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But even that could be at risk.

The Guardian

Otherwise your property could be at risk".

The Guardian - Money

Your money could be at risk.

The Guardian - Money

Here's how to know if you could be at risk.

University of California, Berkeley

These children could be at risk of radicalisation, he said.

The Guardian

Slowdown in health spending could be at risk.

The Washington Post

Now U.N. experts say her life could be at risk.

The Washington Post

Then suddenly the Gulf Coast could be at risk.

The New York Times

"I think spring break could be at risk," she said.

The Washington Post

There's a second reason Apple could be at risk.

The Washington Post

If not, then eight of Italy's lenders could be at risk of collapse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be at risk", clearly specify what or who is facing the potential danger or vulnerability to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "could be at risk" without specifying the subject. For example, instead of saying "The project could be at risk", specify what aspect of the project is vulnerable, such as "The project's funding could be at risk".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be at risk" functions as a modal phrase indicating a potential vulnerability or danger. It suggests that something or someone is in a situation where harm or negative consequences are possible but not certain. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be at risk" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates potential danger or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in diverse contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. Its primary function is to warn or highlight a potential negative outcome, prompting awareness and potential action. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to specify the subject "at risk" to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "might be endangered" or "may be vulnerable" can offer nuanced shades of meaning, but the core idea of potential harm remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be endangered

Replaces "at risk" with "endangered", emphasizing potential harm or extinction.

may be vulnerable

Substitutes "at risk" with "vulnerable", highlighting susceptibility to harm or attack.

potentially threatened

Uses "threatened" instead of "at risk", stressing the presence of a danger or menace.

is under potential threat

Highlights that the threat is looming and has not yet materialized.

faces a possible danger

Rephrases the idea to focus on facing danger rather than being "at risk".

is subject to potential harm

Emphasizes the exposure to possible negative consequences.

is in a precarious situation

Indicates a state of instability or uncertainty, implying potential harm.

might face jeopardy

Substitutes "at risk" with "jeopardy", focusing on potential legal or physical danger.

could be in peril

Uses "peril" to convey a sense of immediate and serious danger.

may be compromised

Replaces "at risk" with "compromised", indicating a weakening or undermining of security or integrity.

FAQs

How can I use "could be at risk" in a sentence?

You can use "could be at risk" to express a potential danger or vulnerability. For example, "The company's reputation "could be at risk" if the scandal is not handled properly".

What are some alternatives to saying "could be at risk"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might be endangered", "may be vulnerable", or "potentially threatened", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "could be at risk" or "is at risk"?

"Could be at risk" indicates a possibility or potential for danger, while "is at risk" suggests that the danger is already present. The choice depends on whether you're describing a potential or existing threat.

What's the difference between "could be at risk" and "might be at risk"?

Both "could be at risk" and "might be at risk" express possibility, but "could" often suggests a slightly higher probability or a broader range of possibilities than "might". The difference is subtle and often interchangeable.