especially at risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "especially at risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight individuals or groups that are more vulnerable to a particular danger or threat. Example: "Children and the elderly are especially at risk during extreme weather events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Adolescents are especially at risk.

The New York Times

Children are especially at risk.

The Economist

Infrequent travelers are especially at risk.

The New York Times

In mythical broken Britain, children are especially at risk.

The Economist

Anything with microcircuitry, including digital television sets, security systems and portable phones, is especially at risk.

The New York Times

(With most strains of seasonal flu, the elderly are especially at risk).

The New Yorker

Black men and those with close relatives who had the disease are especially at risk.

The New York Times - Health

Especially at risk were species that were restricted to the eastern United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All are especially at risk of serious complications or death from the flu.

The New York Times

Those who seem to be growing more moderate as they age are especially at risk.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

7. Hold politicians accountable for the effective education of all our children, and especially at-risk children.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "especially at risk", clearly specify what the risk is. For instance, instead of saying "Children are especially at risk", specify "Children are especially at risk of malnutrition during droughts".

Common error

Avoid using "especially at risk" without providing context. Saying something is "especially at risk" without clarifying what the risk is can be vague and unhelpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "especially at risk" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective, adding emphasis to the degree of risk involved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights a heightened state of vulnerability. It typically follows a noun or pronoun, indicating who or what is facing this increased danger, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "especially at risk" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize heightened vulnerability, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is used across a broad range of contexts, including news, science, and formal business communications. Usage examples from Ludwig show that it serves to draw attention to specific populations or entities facing greater danger than others. When using this phrase, make sure to clarify the specific risk and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives include phrases like "particularly vulnerable" or "at greater risk".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly vulnerable

Replaces "especially" with "particularly", emphasizing a higher degree of vulnerability.

more susceptible

Focuses on the increased likelihood of being affected by something negative.

at greater risk

Uses "greater" to signify a higher level of danger.

highly exposed

Emphasizes the level of exposure to a potential hazard.

unusually threatened

Highlights the elevated threat level faced.

in a precarious situation

Shifts the focus to the unstable or dangerous circumstances.

faces heightened danger

Emphasizes the increased level of danger.

carries a higher risk

Focuses on the risk associated with a particular situation or group.

uniquely endangered

Highlights the unique nature of the threat faced.

more at stake

Shifts the focus to what could be lost or harmed.

FAQs

How can I use "especially at risk" in a sentence?

Use "especially at risk" to emphasize that a particular group or thing is more vulnerable to a specific threat or danger than others. For example, "Elderly individuals are "particularly vulnerable" to the flu during winter months".

What is a good alternative to "especially at risk"?

Alternatives include "more vulnerable", "at greater risk", or "particularly susceptible", depending on the context. Each of these phrases conveys a similar meaning of heightened vulnerability.

Is there a difference between "at risk" and "especially at risk"?

"At risk" indicates a general level of vulnerability, while "especially at risk" emphasizes that the vulnerability is higher or more pronounced compared to others. Using "especially" highlights a greater level of concern or urgency.

What factors determine who is "especially at risk"?

Factors can vary depending on the situation, but often include age, health status, socioeconomic circumstances, or geographical location. Understanding these factors is crucial for implementing targeted interventions to protect those "more vulnerable".