dangerous habit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dangerous habit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a behavior or practice that poses a risk to someone's health, safety, or well-being. Example: "Smoking is a dangerous habit that can lead to serious health issues over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It's a seductive but dangerous habit of mind".

The Guardian

This kind of embalming practice is a dangerous habit.

The New York Times - Books

Paul Jr., who had an equally dangerous habit, was devastated.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's a dangerous habit for a young actor".

The New York Times - Magazine

A particularly nasty and dangerous habit is posting lit fireworks through domestic letterboxes.

The Economist

Critics retort that he is a populist with a dangerous habit of speaking before he thinks.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Bird handlers have some dangerous habits.

The New York Times - Health

The world economy is falling back on very dangerous habits.

The New York Times

But he remained uneasy about evidence of dangerous habits.

The Guardian - Books

But he always fell back into dangerous habits.

The New York Times

"I urge traffic police officers to clamp down on these dangerous habits".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health-related issues, use "dangerous habit" to clearly convey the potential for harm. For instance, "Smoking is a "dangerous habit" that significantly increases the risk of lung cancer."

Common error

Avoid using "dangerous habit" in overly casual contexts where the risk is minimal or metaphorical. Instead of saying, "Biting your nails is a "dangerous habit", consider using a milder term like 'unpleasant habit' or 'bad habit'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dangerous habit" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "dangerous" modifies the noun "habit". As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English and is used to describe something risky.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

20%

Health

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dangerous habit" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for describing behaviors or practices that pose significant risks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across various contexts, though primarily found in news, opinion pieces, and health-related content. Synonyms like "harmful habit" or "risky behavior" can be used to add nuance, but it's crucial to reserve "dangerous habit" for situations where the potential for harm is substantial. Overusing it in trivial situations dilutes its impact and reduces clarity. By understanding its proper usage and potential alternatives, writers can effectively communicate the severity of risks associated with specific behaviors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful habit

Replaces "dangerous" with "harmful", emphasizing the damaging effects of the habit.

unsafe practice

Highlights the lack of safety associated with the behavior.

risky behavior

Shifts the focus to the behavior itself, highlighting the element of risk involved.

unhealthy practice

Replaces "dangerous" with "unhealthy", emphasizing the negative impact on physical or mental well-being.

destructive pattern

Focuses on the repetitive nature and the damaging consequences of the behavior.

detrimental routine

Highlights the negative impact and the established nature of the habit.

hazardous tendency

Emphasizes the potential for danger inherent in the inclination or predisposition.

precarious custom

Focuses on the instability and potential for adverse outcomes associated with the practice.

addictive behaviour

Focuses on the addictive potential and implications of the behaviour.

bad influence

Highlights the detrimental effect someone or something has, often on others.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "dangerous habit"?

Alternatives to "dangerous habit" include "harmful habit", "risky behavior", or "unhealthy practice", depending on the specific context.

How can I use "dangerous habit" in a sentence?

You can use "dangerous habit" to describe any behavior that poses a significant risk to one's health, safety, or well-being. For example, "Texting while driving is a "dangerous habit" that can have deadly consequences."

Is "dangerous habit" a formal or informal expression?

"Dangerous habit" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific wording might be adjusted depending on the audience and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "dangerous habit" and "bad habit"?

"Dangerous habit" implies a higher level of risk and potential harm compared to "bad habit". A bad habit might be annoying or inconvenient, while a "dangerous habit" poses a threat to one's health or safety.