might be at risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be at risk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential dangers or vulnerabilities in various contexts, such as health, security, or financial situations. Example: "Due to the recent changes in policy, our data might be at risk of exposure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Field staff monitor the well-being of returnees in cases where their security might be at risk.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was scared that my family might be at risk.

The Guardian - Books

"Under the changed circumstances this target might be at risk," DaimlerChrysler said.

The New York Times

She was worried he might be at risk in some way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a way, they might be at risk of becoming a victim of their own success.

The Guardian

Airlines used it during the SARS outbreak to identify passengers who might be at risk.

The Economist

It also notifies other people who might be at risk of a sexually transmitted infection.

Independent

Stern then implied that the entire season might be at risk.

The New York Times - Sports

The chapter discusses RF radiation training for the various categories of personnel who might be at risk.

RF and Microwave Radiation Safety

It was just meant to show a huge group who looked like they might be at risk".

The New York Times

But if these symptoms have not abated over time, the child might be at risk for a more serious disorder.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "might be at risk", clearly specify what or who is facing the potential danger. This provides context and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid pairing "might be at risk" with overly general terms. For example, instead of saying "the project might be at risk", specify "the project might be at risk of failing to meet its deadline due to budget cuts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be at risk" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a potential state of danger or vulnerability. As noted by Ludwig AI, this construction is acceptable in written English. The phrase often appears after a linking verb (e.g., is, are, might be) to describe the subject's condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "might be at risk" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a potential danger or vulnerability. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business writing. The phrase functions as a predicative adjective, providing a qualified warning or concern. When using "might be at risk", ensure to specify the subject and potential threat clearly to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "could be in danger" or "may be vulnerable" can be used depending on the nuances needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be in danger

Simple substitution of "might" with "could" and replacing "at risk" with the more direct "in danger".

could be endangered

Replaces "might" with "could", suggesting a possibility, and "at risk" with "endangered", emphasizing potential harm.

may be vulnerable

Substitutes "might" with "may", indicating possibility and "at risk" with "vulnerable", highlighting susceptibility to harm.

could be threatened

Uses "could" to indicate possibility and directly states "be threatened" instead of "at risk".

could face jeopardy

Replaces "might" with "could" for possibility, and "at risk" with "face jeopardy", stressing potential danger.

may encounter peril

Uses "may" instead of "might" and "encounter peril" in place of "at risk" to convey potential danger.

may be compromised

Uses "may" to express possibility and replaces "at risk" with "compromised", suggesting impaired functionality or security.

could suffer harm

Replaces "might" with "could" and "at risk" with "suffer harm", focusing on the potential negative consequences.

may undergo threat

Substitutes "might" with "may" and "at risk" with "undergo threat", emphasizing the process of being threatened.

may become exposed

Replaces "might" with "may" and "at risk" with "become exposed", highlighting the potential for vulnerability to external factors.

FAQs

How can I use "might be at risk" in a sentence?

You can use "might be at risk" to indicate a possibility of danger or vulnerability. For example, "The company's profits "might be at risk" due to the new regulations".

What are some alternatives to saying "might be at risk"?

Alternatives include "could be in danger", "may be vulnerable", or "could face jeopardy", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "might be at risk" or "is at risk"?

"Might be at risk" suggests a possibility, while "is at risk" indicates a current state of danger. The best choice depends on whether you're discussing a potential or existing threat.

What's the difference between "might be at risk" and "could be at risk"?

Both "might be at risk" and "could be at risk" express possibility. The difference is subtle, with "could" sometimes suggesting a slightly higher probability than "might".