lessen risks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessen risks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing strategies or actions aimed at reducing potential dangers or negative outcomes in various contexts, such as business, health, or safety. Example: "Implementing safety protocols can help lessen risks associated with workplace accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The three-legged steel-lattice tower in Montauk, topped with communications equipment that includes a direction-finding antenna and designed without guy wires to lessen risks to migrating birds, would be the highest structure in the Town of East Hampton, when the elevation of its site is included.

The New York Times

Adaptive strategies to lessen risks, plus public health preparedness, can help build community resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A nuclear critic with extensive technical expertise, David Lochbaum of the Union of Concerned Scientists, said moving fuel into casks could increase or lessen risk, depending on how it was done.

The New York Times

But most people are not taking any steps to lessen risk, the survey said: they have not diversified their holdings, increased the allocation of bonds in their portfolios or reduced their exposure to stock.

The New York Times

20 Physical activity and a mediterranean diet, often advocated to lessen risk of vascular disease, are also associated with a reduced risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

Clinical interventions in aging

Therefore, treatment of prevailing STIs at the time of repatriation could potentially lessen risk for future HIV acquisition and reduce subsequent transmission to sex partners.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Mechanisms by which social integration may lessen risk of mortality include material aid from others, and emotional support to lessen the psychoneuroimmunologic effects of life stress on the organism [ 10- 13].

BMC Geriatrics

With a view to lessening risks from climate hazards, adaptation is increasingly considered a core activity over mitigation (Füssel 2007).

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

As the report states, and this column has previously reported, such independence allows PIs to regard safety officials "as infringing on their academic freedom" -- quoting the report -- rather than as offering information useful for lessening risks.

Science Magazine

That has occurred partly because of lessening risk aversion among investors, and partly because of increased liquidity in markets like municipal bonds.

The New York Times

In addition to generating some of the manufacturing costs, the arrangement also lessens risk by determining whether there is demand for a design before it is ever produced.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey a proactive approach to safety or prevention, use "lessen risks" to highlight efforts made to minimize potential negative impacts in areas such as health, finance, or security.

Common error

While "lessen risks" is grammatically correct, in very informal conversations, consider using simpler alternatives like "reduce risks" or "minimize risks" to maintain a natural tone. Overuse can sometimes sound overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessen risks" functions as a verb phrase where "lessen" is the verb and "risks" is the direct object. It indicates an action taken to decrease the probability or severity of potential harm or danger. Ludwig's analysis confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lessen risks" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of reducing potential dangers or negative consequences. According to Ludwig, it fits well in both News & Media and Science contexts, although it is slightly less common than alternatives like "reduce risks" or "mitigate risks". While appropriate for formal and neutral communication, in very casual settings, it could be replaced with simpler terms. It is typically used to convey proactive measures aimed at improving safety or security.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce risks

This alternative uses a more common verb with the same core meaning.

mitigate risks

This option uses a more formal and technical term for reducing risks.

decrease risks

This alternative provides a slightly less common synonym for "lessen".

minimize risks

This phrase implies reducing risks to the smallest possible amount.

alleviate risks

This suggests easing or relieving the severity of risks.

attenuate risks

This alternative introduces a more formal way to say "to reduce the force, effect, or value of".

curtail risks

This implies restricting or limiting risks.

dampen risks

This alternative suggests reducing the intensity or enthusiasm related to risks.

weaken risks

This phrase implies diminishing the power or impact of risks.

temper risks

This suggests moderating or controlling the risks involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "lessen risks" to describe actions taken to reduce potential dangers or negative outcomes. For example, "Implementing safety protocols can "help lessen risks" associated with workplace accidents".

What can I say instead of "lessen risks"?

You can use alternatives like "reduce risks", "mitigate risks", or "minimize risks" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lessen risks" or "reduce risks"?

Both "lessen risks" and "reduce risks" are correct. "Reduce risks" is more common, while "lessen risks" might sound slightly more formal.

Is "lessen risks" formal or informal?

"Lessen risks" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "cut risks" or "lower risks".