risk being arrested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "risk being arrested" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential consequences of certain actions that may lead to legal trouble. Example: "If you continue to protest without a permit, you may risk being arrested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Muslims who convert to other religions risk being arrested.

The Guardian

Once the Ethiopian migrants leave home, they risk being arrested by their own government.

The New Yorker

And if they leave entirely, they risk being arrested as an illegal migrant.

The Guardian

Base jumping in Yosemite is illegal and those who attempt it risk being arrested and fined.

The Guardian

The chiefs met to announce an ultimatum: all cult members had to leave or risk being arrested by vigilante youths from the community.

The New York Times

At a rally in Union Square on Saturday, a man with a clipboard was collecting the names of people who might occupy the building on short notice, and noting those who agreed to risk being arrested.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Another young man, previously unknown as a terrorist risk, was arrested last week on suspicion of planning to leave the country to travel to Syria for terrorist acts.

The Guardian

Anyone owning one of his coffee-table books now risks being "arrested for possession of indecent photographs", following a ruling at Guildford Crown Court.

The Guardian

That meant that if the boys let her stay overnight in their hidden tent encampment by the freeway, they risked being arrested for harboring a fugitive.

The New York Times

Mr Shehadeh has to tread carefully, knowing that in many of his old haunts he risks being arrested by the police or shot by a suspicious settler.

The Economist

Earlier this month, to avoid creating diplomatic tensions among its members, the A.U. decided to move a crucial summit from Malawi to Ethiopia, from one country where Bashir risked being arrested to another where he was guaranteed not to be.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "risk being arrested", ensure the context clearly establishes the action or situation leading to the potential arrest. For example: "Protesting without a permit risks being arrested."

Common error

Avoid using "risk being arrested" when the action does not directly correlate with the potential for arrest. For instance, "He risked being arrested for buying groceries" is incorrect unless there's an explicit law against it. The situation must realistically lead to arrest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "risk being arrested" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a potential consequence of certain actions. It describes a situation where someone's behavior could lead to legal repercussions. As demonstrated in Ludwig, it's often used in contexts involving protest, migration, or breaking the law.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "risk being arrested" is a grammatically sound verbal phrase used to describe situations where certain actions may lead to legal apprehension. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news reports, Wiki articles, and scientific publications. Though of neutral register, using "risk being arrested" requires ensuring a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the action and potential arrest. Alternatives include "face arrest" or "run the risk of arrest". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in written English, suggesting it's a valuable tool for writers discussing potential legal consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run the risk of arrest

This alternative adds emphasis on the degree of risk associated with arrest.

face arrest

This alternative is shorter and more direct, emphasizing the immediate possibility of arrest.

be in danger of arrest

This alternative highlights the vulnerability to being arrested.

be liable to arrest

This alternative focuses on the legal responsibility or susceptibility to arrest.

expose oneself to arrest

This alternative emphasizes the active role in making oneself vulnerable to arrest.

become subject to arrest

This alternative suggests a transition into a state where arrest is a possibility.

leave oneself open to arrest

This alternative implies a lack of precaution leading to potential arrest.

make oneself vulnerable to arrest

This alternative highlights the act of making oneself susceptible to arrest.

court arrest

This alternative means to behave so as to invite or provoke arrest.

put oneself in harm's way and be arrested

This alternative expresses the idea of getting harmed because of being arrested.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "risk being arrested" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "face the possibility of arrest" or "endanger yourself with arrest" for a more elevated tone.

What situations typically "risk being arrested"?

Common scenarios involve protesting without permits, trespassing, engaging in illegal activities, or violating specific laws. The key is a direct link between the action and the potential for legal apprehension.

Is there a difference between "risk arrest" and "risk being arrested"?

"Risk arrest" is less common and can sound abrupt. "Risk being arrested" is generally preferred as it flows more naturally and clearly conveys the possibility of arrest as a consequence.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "risk being arrested"?

Avoid using it when the likelihood of arrest is extremely low or nonexistent, or when the action is morally justifiable, but technically illegal, as it can create a misleading or sensational impression.