less risky

USAGE SUMMARY

'less risky' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to promote a more conservative decision or strategy. For example, "Investing in index funds is considered less risky than investing in individual stocks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Google was less risky".

The New York Times - Tech

There are less risky solutions.

The New York Times - Magazine

The economy seemed less risky.

The Washington Post

Verizon is a less risky partner.

The Economist

And no less risky, I would imagine.

Independent

Corporate borrowers look less risky, too.

The New York Times

It's also, politically, far less risky.

The New Yorker

Oral sex is much less risky.

The New York Times

There's a less risky route here.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Are there less risky ways to obtain the same results?

SEP

And many of them would have been less risky.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, clearly specify what the alternative is "less risky" than. For example, instead of saying "This investment is less risky", say "This investment is less risky than investing in penny stocks".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "less risky" always equates to "safe". Even options with reduced risk still carry some level of potential uncertainty or negative outcomes. Always consider the specific context and potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less risky" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a lower degree of risk compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase and is commonly found in sentences comparing options or strategies. For instance, 'Google was less risky' (The New York Times).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less risky" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative adjective that indicates a lower level of risk relative to another option. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business settings, serving the purpose of informing and persuading by highlighting reduced potential for negative outcomes. When using "less risky", clarity is key – always specify what it's being compared to. While "less risky" implies a reduction in danger, it doesn't guarantee safety. The related phrases like "safer" and "lower risk" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, with varying degrees of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower risk

Directly uses the term 'risk' but in a noun form, offering a subtle variation.

less dangerous

Uses 'dangerous' instead of 'risky', stressing potential harm.

safer

Focuses directly on safety, implying a reduced chance of harm.

more secure

Emphasizes stability and protection from potential threats.

diminished risk

Highlights the reduction of risk, suitable for formal contexts.

reduced hazard

Substitutes 'risky' with 'hazard', altering the tone slightly.

more cautious

Shifts the focus to the approach taken, implying reduced risk.

more prudent

Suggests wisdom and careful consideration to avoid risks.

on the safe side

An idiomatic expression indicating a preference for avoiding risks.

conservative approach

Highlights a strategy that minimizes potential losses and risks.

FAQs

How can I use "less risky" in a sentence?

Use "less risky" to compare the level of risk between two or more options. For example, "Investing in bonds is "less risky" than investing in the stock market."

What are some alternatives to saying "less risky"?

You can use phrases like "safer", "more secure", or "lower risk" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less risky"?

Yes, "less risky" is grammatically correct. "Less" is used to compare quantities or degrees of something that cannot be counted, such as risk.

What's the difference between "less risky" and "least risky"?

"Less risky" compares two options, while "least risky" identifies the option with the absolute lowest level of risk among multiple choices.