most obvious risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most obvious risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when identifying or discussing the most apparent or significant danger or threat in a given context. Example: "In this investment strategy, the most obvious risk is the potential for market volatility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The most obvious risk is the weather.

The Guardian

The most obvious risk is that you can't find a buyer for your unwanted seats.

The Guardian - Money

The most obvious risk is that atomically precise manufacturing looks ideal for rapid, cheap manufacturing of things like weapons.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most obvious risk is that your current employer, upon hearing you have another opportunity elsewhere, wishes you luck.

Harvard Business Review

Its warning came hours after another leading firm, Scottish Friendly, claimed a mis-selling scandal was "almost inevitable", with buy-to-let investment posing the most obvious risk.

The Guardian - Money

The most obvious risk is that it will stop Europe's current economic upswing, just as unemployment in Germany and France is beginning to sink below 10percentt for the first time in years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

How BOINC eliminates the most obvious risks.

University of California, Berkeley

Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, who they defeated on away goals in last year's quarter-finals, look the most obvious risks although a reunion with Basel, who beat them twice in the 2013-14 group stage, would hold no guarantees.

The Guardian - Sport

And by launching the new attacks with the participation of five Arab allies, he has done all in his power to defuse in advance the most obvious risks of this  new initiative.

Independent

Labour's position holds the most obvious risks: it will take subtle speech-writing and iron discipline in television interviews for Ed Balls and Mr Miliband not to sound either defensive about their own criticisms of austerity, or mealy-mouthed about the modest recovery Britain is at last enjoying.

The Guardian - Opinion

One knock on agencies is that the most obvious risks seemed to surprise them.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "most obvious risk" with quantitative data when possible to add more impact and credibility

Common error

Avoid using "most obvious risk" when the risk is not genuinely apparent or when deeper, less visible risks are more significant. Make sure what you label as "most obvious risk" is truly the most easily perceived danger, not just the one you've initially focused on.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most obvious risk" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the clearest and most easily perceived danger. It is used to draw immediate attention to the primary source of potential harm or negative consequences. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most obvious risk" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to highlight the clearest and most easily perceived danger in a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and carries a neutral tone. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives such as "clearest danger" or "primary threat" exist, "most obvious risk" effectively emphasizes the visibility of the risk, prompting immediate attention and action. Therefore, when accuracy, clarity, and emphasis are required to highlight the most apparent danger, using "most obvious risk" can be an ideal choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearest danger

Replaces "risk" with "danger" and "most obvious" with "clearest", emphasizing the explicitness of the threat.

most apparent danger

Substitutes "obvious" with "apparent", highlighting the visibility and ease of noticing the danger.

primary threat

Focuses on the main threat, removing the emphasis on it being easily noticeable.

principal hazard

Replaces "risk" with "hazard", indicating a potential source of danger; "principal" emphasizes its importance.

major pitfall

Uses "pitfall" to describe a hidden or not-so-obvious danger, shifting the focus slightly.

chief vulnerability

Highlights the weakness or area most susceptible to harm, implying the risk.

foremost peril

Emphasizes the immediacy and seriousness of the risk, using more formal language.

biggest downside

Focuses on the negative aspect or disadvantage, a broader concept than just risk.

main concern

Shifts the focus to worry or anxiety about a potential negative outcome, rather than the risk itself.

key challenge

Presents the risk as an obstacle to overcome, a more active and solution-oriented perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "most obvious risk" in a sentence?

You can use "most obvious risk" to highlight the primary or most apparent danger in a situation. For instance, "The most obvious risk in starting a new business is the potential for financial loss."

What are some alternatives to saying "most obvious risk"?

Alternatives include "clearest danger", "most apparent danger", or "primary threat". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "most obvious risk"?

While "obvious" might seem implied in the concept of "risk", using "most obvious risk" can emphasize that this particular danger is easily identifiable and should be addressed promptly. It depends on the context; sometimes, it's necessary for clarity.

What's the difference between "most obvious risk" and "greatest risk"?

"Most obvious risk" refers to the risk that is easiest to see or recognize, while "greatest risk" refers to the risk that poses the most significant potential harm. The "greatest risk" may not always be the most obvious one.