potential risk

USAGE SUMMARY

"potential risk" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a possible or likely danger or hazard. For example: "The project supervisor identified a number of potential risks to the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they did find a potential risk.

The New York Times

This potential risk is greater for children.

The Guardian

But there was another potential risk.

The New York Times - Arts

It's also a security and potential risk.

The Washington Post

This represents a potential risk.

Chemical Engineering Science

And there's a potential risk in starting Hernandez up front.

The Guardian - Sport

But with any emerging technology comes potential risk.

The Guardian

But for many, much seems at potential risk.

The New York Times

"Is there a potential risk this could happen?

The Guardian - Books

"Potential risk of flying debris from drop-balling operations.

The Guardian - Business

The only potential risk, several executives said, is overdoing it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "potential risks", be specific about the nature of the risk and who or what is at risk. Providing context and details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating "potential risks" without sufficient evidence. Overstating risks can lead to unnecessary alarm and undermine credibility. Always balance the discussion with realistic assessments and mitigation strategies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential risk" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "potential" acts as a pre-modifying adjective specifying the type of "risk". Ludwig AI validates its correct and common usage across various contexts, as demonstrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science & Research

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "potential risk" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight possible dangers or hazards. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing its prevalence across diverse fields such as news, science, and academia. While versatile, it's essential to provide specific details about the risk and its potential impact for clear communication. When using "potential risk", be mindful of the context and avoid exaggeration to maintain credibility. Exploring alternatives like "possible danger" or "likely hazard" can also enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possible danger

Replaces "risk" with "danger", emphasizing the possibility of harm.

likely hazard

Substitutes "potential" with "likely" and "risk" with "hazard", suggesting a high probability of occurrence.

conceivable threat

Uses "conceivable" instead of "potential" and "threat" instead of "risk", highlighting the possibility of a dangerous situation.

foreseeable peril

Employs "foreseeable" to denote predictability and "peril" to denote serious danger.

imminent danger

Replaces "potential" with "imminent", which denotes something ready to happen.

possible exposure

Focuses on the possibility of being subjected to something harmful.

latent threat

Highlights a threat that is present but not yet realized.

hidden danger

Emphasizes the danger being concealed or not immediately obvious.

inherent hazard

Indicates a hazard that is a natural or essential part of something.

anticipated difficulty

Shifts the focus to a challenge that is expected to arise.

FAQs

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

Use "potential risk" to describe a possible danger or hazard. For example, "There is a "potential risk" of infection if the wound is not properly cleaned."

What are some alternatives to saying "potential risk"?

You can use alternatives like "possible danger", "likely hazard", or "conceivable threat" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "potential risk" or "possible risk"?

Both ""potential risk"" and "possible risk" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize, with "potential" often suggesting a risk that could develop under certain conditions.

What factors should I consider when assessing "potential risks"?

When assessing "potential risks", consider the likelihood of the risk occurring, the severity of its impact, and the vulnerability of the affected parties. Thorough analysis helps in developing effective mitigation strategies.