potential hazard

USAGE SUMMARY

"potential hazard" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a danger that may exist or arise in the future. For example: "This nuclear reactor may present a potential hazard to the local environment if not properly maintained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nests are another potential hazard.

The New York Times

Another potential hazard is disease.

The Guardian

Flooding is always a potential hazard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anniversary concerts are always a potential hazard.

The Guardian

"We do feel that there is a potential hazard".

The New York Times

Worse yet, he said, the violators create a potential hazard.

The New York Times

But, it said presciently, "The total potential hazard is staggering".

The New York Times

But to the N.R.A., the windows are a potential hazard.

The New York Times

Massive earthquakes of the kind that sparked the Fukushima meltdown are not the only potential hazard.

The Guardian

In other words, any amount of lead is a potential hazard to a developing child.

The New York Times

"We are being overloaded with a potential hazard," Mr. Collins said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "potential hazards", be specific about the nature of the hazard and who or what is at risk. Clear communication helps in effective risk management and prevention.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the likelihood of a "potential hazard" occurring. Use qualifiers like "could", "may", or "might" to accurately reflect the level of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential hazard" functions as a noun phrase, where "potential" modifies the noun "hazard". This phrase is used to identify something that is not currently dangerous but has the capacity to become so. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potential hazard" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe something that could possibly cause harm in the future. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and can be used across diverse contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and everyday conversations. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the nature of the hazard and the affected parties to facilitate effective risk management. Related phrases include ""possible danger"" and ""latent risk"", each with subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to avoid exaggerating the probability of the hazard and clearly communicate the potential risks involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possible danger

Replaces "potential" with "possible", emphasizing the chance of occurrence of danger.

latent risk

Uses "latent" to highlight the hidden or not yet realized nature of the risk.

hidden threat

Focuses on the concealed aspect of the hazard, framing it as a threat.

future peril

Emphasizes the time aspect, suggesting a danger that may arise in the future.

impending danger

Indicates that the hazard is approaching or about to happen.

brewing trouble

Suggests that the hazard is developing or escalating.

developing threat

Highlights that the threat is not yet fully formed but is in the process of becoming a hazard.

looming risk

Presents the risk as something large and threatening in the near future.

dormant danger

Implies that the danger is currently inactive but could become active.

unforeseen hazard

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the hazard.

FAQs

How can I use "potential hazard" in a sentence?

You can use "potential hazard" to describe something that could possibly cause harm. For example: "The abandoned building is a "potential hazard" to children playing in the area."

What's a good synonym for "potential hazard"?

Synonyms for "potential hazard" include "possible danger", "latent risk", or "future peril", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "potential hazard risk"?

Yes, saying "potential hazard risk" is often redundant because a hazard inherently implies risk. It's generally better to simply use ""potential hazard"" or "potential risk".

What is the difference between a "potential hazard" and a "hazard"?

A "hazard" is an existing danger, while a ""potential hazard"" is something that has the possibility of becoming dangerous in the future.