not so dangerous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not so dangerous" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is less dangerous than it might seem or compared to something else. Example: "The storm was not so dangerous as the weather reports suggested." Alternative expressions include "less dangerous" and "not as risky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"But they are not danger-prohibitive, meaning they're not so dangerous one shouldn't ride".

Huffington Post

These would be laughable if they were not so dangerous.

The Guardian - Tech

We are now told that the IRA was not so dangerous after all.

The Guardian

One might dismiss it as laughable were it not so dangerous.

The Guardian

Such a suggestion would be laughable were it not so dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said he had jumped at news that there was "decent-paying work but not so dangerous" in Fukushima.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Sarah Palin would be funny if she weren't so dangerous.

University of California, Berkeley

It would be hilarious if it weren't so dangerous.

The Guardian - Opinion

This sentiment would be laughable if it weren't so dangerous.

The New Yorker

The French-fry problem ought to have a simple solution: cook fries in oil that isn't so dangerous.

The New Yorker

Many refugees told me that everyone in their neighborhoods would relocate to Jordan if it weren't so dangerous to travel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so dangerous" to convey a sense of reduced risk or danger compared to a previously stated or implied level. This phrase is most effective when contrasting with a common perception or expectation.

Common error

While "not so dangerous" is generally acceptable, be cautious about overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing. Consider more precise and professional alternatives like "relatively safe" or "less hazardous" to maintain the appropriate tone and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so dangerous" functions as a qualifier, modifying the adjective 'dangerous' to indicate a reduced level of risk. It is frequently used to reassure or provide a more nuanced assessment of a situation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not so dangerous" is a grammatically sound and frequently used qualifier that tempers the perception of risk. Ludwig's analysis shows that it serves to reassure and moderate concerns. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, fitting diverse communication needs. While the phrase is valid, refining your writing with alternatives like "relatively safe" or "less hazardous" can enhance the precision and impact in more formal settings. The phrase is considered correct by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively safe

Emphasizes safety in comparison to other situations, rather than directly addressing the level of danger.

not particularly risky

Focuses on the level of risk involved, suggesting it is lower than expected.

less hazardous

Uses a more formal term, 'hazardous', to indicate a reduced level of danger.

somewhat secure

Highlights the element of security, implying a diminished threat level.

moderately protected

Suggests the presence of some protective measures, reducing the overall danger.

not overly threatening

Directly addresses the threatening aspect, emphasizing a reduced level of perceived threat.

fairly harmless

Indicates a low probability of causing harm, suggesting a minimal risk factor.

relatively benign

Employs a more technical term, 'benign', implying a lack of harmful properties.

comparatively innocuous

Uses a sophisticated term, 'innocuous', indicating a negligible impact or effect.

not as perilous

Directly compares the situation to something perceived as perilous, emphasizing the difference.

FAQs

How can I use "not so dangerous" in a sentence?

You can use "not so dangerous" to suggest that something is less risky or threatening than it might seem. For example, "The hike was "not so dangerous" as the guidebooks suggested."

What are some alternatives to saying "not so dangerous"?

Alternatives include "relatively safe", "less hazardous", or "not particularly risky". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "not so dangerous" a grammatically correct phrase?

Yes, "not so dangerous" is grammatically correct. It uses the adverb "so" to modify the adjective "dangerous", indicating a reduced degree of danger.

When is it appropriate to use "not so dangerous"?

It's appropriate to use "not so dangerous" in situations where you want to downplay a perceived threat or risk, or to compare the risk level to something else. It's suitable for both casual and moderately formal contexts.