likely risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential dangers or hazards that are probable or expected to occur. Example: "The project involves a likely risk of delays due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I still feel like I'm relatively safe and think that my most likely risk in case of a larger-scale incursion is arrest.

The Guardian

Inequality is seen as the most likely risk.

The Guardian - Business

If the union members vote no, though, they will likely risk layoffs.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM BILL: Thinking hypothetically, what would you say is the most likely risk or unintended consequence of QE2 that we will be most regretting in 10 years?

The New Yorker

Losing a mobile device and the data inside remains the most likely risk to a smartphone owner.

The New York Times - Tech

Professionals would be encouraged to use the system to monitor children's behaviour including the likely risk of teenage pregnancy and potential for criminal activity.

The Guardian

Monitoring and forecasting of HSD may be a useful means of gauging the likely risk to high-cost power engineering equipment.

Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics

Current evidence suggests that bacterial vaginosis, which is a likely risk factor for HIV infection, may be a mediator of the association between intravaginal practices and HIV.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

Major depressive disorder is a likely risk factor for dementia, but some cases of major depressive disorder in older adults may actually represent a prodrome of this condition.

The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

There was a likely risk that the creatures would be killed by the pressure from the filtration system, he said, not from contact with any boiling water.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, by looking at what the most conflict-prone places have in common, it is possible to identify likely risk factors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing risk, clarify the specific consequences associated with the "likely risk" to provide a clearer understanding of the potential impact. For example, instead of simply stating "a likely risk of delays", specify "a likely risk of project delays leading to budget overruns and missed deadlines".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the certainty of a "likely risk". The term implies probability, not absolute certainty. Using qualifiers like 'very' or 'highly' before "likely risk" can undermine credibility if the risk doesn't materialize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely risk" functions as a noun phrase, where 'likely' modifies the noun 'risk'. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used to denote a risk that is probable or expected. Its function is to identify potential negative outcomes or hazards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely risk" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a probable danger or hazard. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various domains, including science, news, and formal business settings. When using "likely risk", it's important to provide context and avoid overstating the certainty of the risk. Alternatives like "probable danger" or "potential hazard" can be used to add nuance. Understanding the subtle differences in meaning among these related phrases can significantly improve the precision and clarity of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable danger

This phrase replaces "risk" with "danger" which carries a stronger sense of potential harm or negative consequence.

potential hazard

Using "potential" instead of "likely" emphasizes possibility rather than probability, and "hazard" highlights the dangerous aspect.

possible threat

"Threat" implies a more direct and intentional source of danger compared to "risk".

anticipated peril

"Anticipated" suggests foreknowledge, while "peril" denotes serious and immediate danger.

expected exposure

This alternative is suitable when the risk involves exposure to something, be it physical, financial, or otherwise.

foreseeable hazard

"Foreseeable" emphasizes that the hazard can be predicted or anticipated in advance.

predictable danger

"Predictable" highlights the ease with which the danger can be anticipated based on current information.

conceivable threat

"Conceivable" means that the threat is within the realm of possibility, even if not probable.

plausible risk

"Plausible" suggests that the risk is believable or credible, even if not certain.

credible danger

"Credible" emphasizes the believability and trustworthiness of the potential danger.

FAQs

How can I use "likely risk" in a sentence?

You can use "likely risk" to describe a potential danger or hazard that is probable. For example, "There is a "likely risk" of delays due to the weather conditions."

What are some alternatives to "likely risk"?

Alternatives to "likely risk" include "probable danger", "potential hazard", or "possible threat" depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "likely risk" or "potential risk"?

"Likely risk" suggests a higher probability of occurrence compared to "potential risk". Use "likely risk" when there's a good reason to believe the risk will materialize, and "potential risk" when it's simply a possibility.

Is it redundant to say "very likely risk"?

While not strictly redundant, "very likely risk" can sound awkward. It's often better to rephrase it for clarity, such as "highly probable risk" or "almost certain risk" depending on the degree of certainty you wish to convey. Using just "likely risk" is usually sufficient.