increase risks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase risks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing factors or actions that lead to a higher likelihood of negative outcomes or dangers in various contexts, such as health, finance, or safety. Example: "The new policy changes may increase risks associated with data security breaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

· Anything higher would substantially increase risks of very harmful impacts.

The Guardian

Dr Luèka Kajfež-Bogataj, one of the report's authors, said: "Continued high emissions will increase risks.

The Guardian

According to the article, marrying a cousin can increase risks of birth defects by almost 3percentt.

The New York Times

The food industry bristles at the notion that a greater diversity of foreign ingredient suppliers could increase risks for consumers.

The New York Times

But in doing so, they will, as with so many of Trump's moves, increase risks for everyone.

The New Yorker

"Climate change can indirectly increase risks of violent conflicts in the form of civil war and inter-group violence," the report said.

The Guardian

Officials at the Power Authority and at Entergy said the plants' sale would help lower the cost of electricity and not increase risks.

The New York Times

To increase risks of oral cancer, too: H.P.V., or the human papillomavirus, which was already known to be linked to cervical cancer.

The New Yorker

In fact, he pointed out, fuels-reduction efforts may increase risks to life and property by encouraging development in fire-prone areas.

The New Yorker

Infants and young children are thought to be especially vulnerable to radiation exposure, which can increase risks of cancer and other illnesses.

The New York Times

Regulators meanwhile have fretted that market-based accounting would increase fluctuations in banks' earnings and capital, which might increase risks to financial stability.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "increase risks", clearly specify what actions or factors are contributing to the increased risks. For instance, "Poor safety measures increase risks of workplace accidents."

Common error

Avoid using "increase risks" without specifying the type of risks being increased. Instead of saying "This will increase risks", clarify what risks are being increased (e.g., "This will increase risks of data breaches").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase risks" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, acting as a predicate in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly describes the action of elevating the probability of unfavorable events or hazardous outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increase risks" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where the likelihood of negative outcomes is elevated. As shown by Ludwig AI, it is used across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While the phrase itself is straightforward, effective use requires specifying the factors contributing to the heightened risk and the nature of the risks themselves. Alternatives like "heighten risks" and "raise risks" offer similar meanings. By understanding its function, purpose, and usage patterns, writers can effectively incorporate "increase risks" into their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heighten risks

Replaces "increase" with "heighten", emphasizing the intensification of existing risks.

raise risks

Uses "raise" instead of "increase", suggesting an elevation of the level of risk.

aggravate risks

Implies making existing risks more severe or intense.

exacerbate risks

Similar to aggravate, suggesting a worsening of the current risk level.

compound risks

Highlights the combination of factors that lead to higher risks.

escalate risks

Focuses on the rapid increase or progression of risks.

magnify risks

Suggests that risks are being made larger or more significant.

amplify risks

Similar to magnify, implying a boosting or enlargement of risks.

build up risks

Suggests a gradual accumulation or creation of risks over time.

generate risks

Focuses on the creation of new risks where none previously existed.

FAQs

How can I use "increase risks" in a sentence?

You can use "increase risks" to describe situations where certain actions or conditions elevate the likelihood of negative outcomes. For example, "Ignoring safety protocols will "increase risks" of accidents".

What are some alternatives to saying "increase risks"?

Alternatives to "increase risks" include "heighten risks", "raise risks", or "exacerbate risks", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "increase risk" is grammatically acceptable, "increase risks" is generally preferred when referring to multiple potential negative outcomes or dangers. If you're referring to a single, general risk, "increase risk" may be suitable, but "increase risks" is often more precise and comprehensive.

What's the difference between "increase risks" and "mitigate risks"?

"Increase risks" describes actions or factors that make negative outcomes more likely, while "mitigate risks" refers to actions taken to reduce the likelihood or severity of those negative outcomes. They are opposite in meaning.