potentially endanger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potentially endanger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing risks or threats that may harm someone or something, indicating that there is a possibility of danger. Example: "The new policy could potentially endanger the safety of our employees if not implemented properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Since a growth potential of >0.5 log(10) cfu/g within food products is known to potentially endanger human health, the chosen inloculum size of approximately 5 log cfu/g (i.e., around 105 cells/g) in the current study may reflect the fatal degree of microbial contamination in real (Skalina and Nikolajeva 2010).

International Journal of Food Contamination

"These failures potentially endanger every person on Earth".

Independent

Situations may arise where harmful gases may get emitted via sewage and can potentially endanger life.

Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research

"Failing to properly inspect the subway system can lead to delays in service and, potentially, endanger the safety of subway riders," Mr. Vance said in a statement.

The New York Times

The failure resulting in a piping system is a situation that can hinder its function, change its configuration, jeopardize its integrity, and potentially endanger the environment.

Plastic Pipe Systems Failure Investigation and Diagnosis

But more than two months after the inspection, which found a troubled heart surgery unit with issues that could potentially endanger patients, nothing has emerged into the public domain.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Elsewhere, Death Valley shelters potentially endangered organisms.

The New Yorker

Airport reconstruction ended this spring, potentially endangering the cultivated air of isolated tranquillity.

The New York Times - Style

Viruses from wild animals can also wipe out livestock, potentially endangering food supplies.

The New York Times - Science

PHE says that without antibiotics, infections from surgery could double, potentially endangering lives.

The Guardian

They say politicians want to use the cave to promote tourism, potentially endangering it.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the degree of risk implied by "potentially endanger". If the risk is low, a softer phrase like "pose a slight risk" might be more appropriate. If the risk is high, a stronger term like "jeopardize" might be better.

Common error

Avoid using "potentially endanger" when the risk is purely theoretical or negligible. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact when describing genuinely dangerous situations. Instead, use softer terms like "may affect" or "could influence" for less severe possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potentially endanger" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe an action that could lead to harm or risk. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts to express the possibility of danger.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potentially endanger" serves as a crucial linguistic tool for highlighting possible risks and hazards. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in diverse contexts. With a neutral to professional register and frequent appearance in news, science, and formal business sources, it is suitable for conveying a degree of risk objectively.

While "potentially endanger" is a versatile phrase, writers should consider its impact and choose alternatives like "pose a potential threat" or "potentially jeopardize" to fine-tune the intended meaning. As usage guidance suggests, be mindful of overstating the risk and always ensure clarity about what and who is at risk.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pose a potential threat

Replaces "endanger" with "pose a threat", focusing on the act of presenting a risk rather than the direct consequence.

potentially jeopardize

Substitutes "endanger" with "jeopardize", implying a risk of failure or loss.

potentially imperil

Synonym for "endanger", suggesting a serious and imminent risk.

put at potential risk

Rephrases the action to emphasize the state of being at risk, rather than the act of endangering.

potentially threaten

Replaces "endanger" with "threaten", which highlights the possibility of causing harm or damage.

potentially compromise

Focuses on the act of undermining or weakening something, rather than directly causing danger.

may put in peril

Uses "peril" to suggest a serious and immediate danger, adding a sense of urgency.

could potentially harm

Replaces "endanger" with "harm", indicating a broader range of negative effects, not just life-threatening ones.

may pose a hazard

Uses "hazard" to emphasize the presence of a potential danger or risk.

could possibly endanger

Adds "possibly" to soften the certainty of the endangering action, indicating a lower probability.

FAQs

What does "potentially endanger" mean?

The phrase "potentially endanger" means there is a possibility that something could cause harm or put someone or something at risk.

How can I use "potentially endanger" in a sentence?

You can use "potentially endanger" to describe a situation where there is a chance of harm, for example: "Failing to properly inspect the subway system can "potentially endanger" the safety of subway riders."

What are some alternatives to "potentially endanger"?

Alternatives to "potentially endanger" include "pose a potential threat", "potentially jeopardize", or "put at potential risk", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to use "potentially" with "endanger"?

While "endanger" already implies a degree of potential harm, using "potentially endanger" can emphasize the uncertainty or possibility of the harm occurring. It's not strictly redundant, but consider whether the added emphasis is necessary for clarity.