run the risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run the risk" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English and is used to describe the potential of facing a negative outcome.
Example: We decided to run the risk and invest in the new startup company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You run the risk of reputational damage".

The New York Times

"We can't run the risk of mediocrity".

The New York Times - Sports

Otherwise, they run the risk of looking like sore losers.

The New York Times

Doesn't this run the risk of annoying people?

The Guardian

But they run the risk of loving it to death.

The Guardian - Opinion

Otherwise, you run the risk of incurring big tax liabilities.

The New York Times

"You run the risk of isolating yourself," Mr. Slocum said.

The New York Times

You do, however, run the risk of irritating colleagues.

The Guardian

And we run the risk of medicalising childhood.

The Guardian

Be so persistent that you run the risk of pestering.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The pressure runs the risk of backfiring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "run the risk", ensure the context clearly indicates what potential negative outcome is being risked. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "run the risk" when the potential negative outcome is highly improbable. Choose a less emphatic phrase if the danger is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run the risk" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the possibility of encountering a negative outcome or undesirable consequence. It is typically followed by a prepositional phrase or a clause specifying the nature of the risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and accepted usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "run the risk" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to indicate the potential for a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and general contexts, maintaining a neutral register. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to specify the nature of the risk being referred to. While broadly applicable, overusing it in situations with minimal risk should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put at risk

A more direct and literal way of stating the possibility of harm or loss.

jeopardize

Emphasizes the act of endangering something valuable or important.

take the chance

Shifts the focus from potential harm to the possibility of a positive outcome, while still acknowledging uncertainty.

hazard

Emphasizes the presence of danger or threat, often implying a greater level of risk.

gamble

Suggests an action with an uncertain outcome, often involving stakes or potential loss.

endanger oneself

Highlights the potential for personal harm or peril resulting from a specific action.

expose oneself

Indicates vulnerability to negative consequences or unwanted attention.

face the possibility

Underlines the awareness and acceptance of a potential negative outcome.

imperil

Focuses on the act of putting something or someone in a dangerous situation.

court danger

Suggests a deliberate or reckless approach to risky situations.

FAQs

How can I use "run the risk" in a sentence?

Use "run the risk" to describe the possibility of encountering a negative outcome as a result of an action. For instance, "If you don't study, you "run the risk" of failing the exam".

What are some alternatives to "run the risk"?

You can use alternatives like "take the chance", "put at risk", or "jeopardize" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "take a risk" and "run the risk"?

"Take a risk" generally implies a deliberate decision to face uncertainty for a potential reward, while ""run the risk"" focuses more on the potential negative consequences that could arise.

Is "running the risk" grammatically correct?

Yes, "running the risk" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase. It's often used as a noun in a sentence, such as "Running the risk of sounding cliché, I must say it was a great experience."