risky behavior

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "risky behavior" is absolutely correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to actions or behaviors that involve a high degree of potential danger or harm. Example: "Adolescents are often prone to risky behaviors such as underage drinking and reckless driving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is this risky behavior?

The New York Times - Magazine

Unless job loss leads to risky behavior.

The New York Times

A lot of it was risky behavior".

The New York Times

Repeated risky behavior is inevitable in poverty.

The New York Times

"These kids are all about risky behavior," he said.

The New York Times

"We have to educate people that it's a risky behavior".

The New York Times - Health

Those recommendations seek to diminish short-term risky behavior.

The New York Times

The growth of the epidemic has been fueled by a combination of risky behavior and ignorance.

The New York Times

"There's been plenty of research identifying risky behavior by teen drivers.

The New York Times

Early success has bred complacency and a resurgence in risky behavior.

The New York Times

The experiment, Payne contends, "provided the first evidence that inequality itself can cause risky behavior".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "risky behavior" to refer to actions that have foreseeable negative outcomes, not just unexpected accidents.

Common error

Don't simply state that someone engaged in "risky behavior"; specify what the behavior was and why it was risky to provide context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "risky behavior" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts, denoting actions with potential negative outcomes. Examples show it describing both personal and societal actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "risky behavior" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions that carry potential negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used widely across different contexts, from news reports to scientific studies. Related phrases like "hazardous conduct" or "unsafe actions" can be used as alternatives, depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to be specific about the behavior you are describing to avoid vagueness, and consider the potential harm involved when using this term. The phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for many writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hazardous conduct

Emphasizes the potential for danger or harm inherent in the actions.

high-risk activities

Directly points to the elevated level of probability for something undesirable to happen.

unsafe actions

Highlights the lack of safety measures or precautions taken.

dangerous practices

Focuses on established patterns of behavior that carry significant risk.

reckless activities

Implies a disregard for potential consequences and a lack of caution.

imprudent behavior

Stresses the lack of careful consideration and planning.

ill-advised choices

Highlights the poor judgment involved in selecting a course of action.

precarious actions

Highlights the instability and uncertainty associated with the behavior.

foolhardy decisions

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom and potential for failure in the choices made.

adventurous conduct

Focuses on the daring or unconventional nature of the behaviour, suggesting associated risks.

FAQs

How can I use "risky behavior" in a sentence?

You can use "risky behavior" to describe actions with potential negative consequences, such as "Underage drinking is an example of "risky behavior"."

What are some alternatives to "risky behavior"?

Alternatives include "hazardous conduct", "unsafe actions", or "dangerous practices", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "risky behavior conduct"?

Yes, it is redundant. "Behavior" and "conduct" are largely synonymous in this context, so using both together is unnecessary. Stick to either "risky behavior" or "risky conduct".

What's the difference between "risky behavior" and "irresponsible behavior"?

"Risky behavior" focuses on the potential for harm, while "irresponsible behavior" focuses on a lack of consideration for consequences or obligations. "Driving without a license" could be considered "risky behavior" and "irresponsible behavior".