running the risk of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "running the risk of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to take the chance of something happening, often with potential negative consequences. Example: "I decided to invest all of my savings into the stock market, knowing I was running the risk of losing it all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Or do you think we're running the risk of another one?

The New Yorker

You can't deal in feelings without running the risk of being sentimental," he instructs.

The Guardian

"If he keeps it up, he is running the risk of sounding like an élitist".

The New Yorker

"They are running the risk of being expelled from the WTO.

The Guardian - Business

In Beirut, he "was always running the risk of being kidnapped".

The New Yorker

We are running the risk of starting off an inflationary spiral".

The New York Times

ECUADOR is also running the risk of being out of sync with the United States economy.

The New York Times

Part of playing the game is running the risk of injury.

The New York Times - Sports

By not remediating the water issue quickly, the sellers were running the risk of mold.

The Washington Post

Ultimately, though, I am running the risk of having an ending spoiled.

The Guardian - Books

Failing to check sources means running the risk of violating the school's academic standards.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running the risk of" to clearly indicate a potential negative consequence of a specific action or situation. This phrase adds a layer of caution and encourages careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "running the risk of" excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your text sound repetitive and alarmist. Vary your language with alternatives like "vulnerable to" or "prone to" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running the risk of" functions as a verb phrase acting as a modifier, introducing a potential negative consequence or undesirable outcome associated with a particular action or situation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "running the risk of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to highlight potential negative consequences across various contexts. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples indicates its prevalence in news, academic, and business domains, with a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, considering semantically similar alternatives to maintain a balanced and engaging writing style. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a warning or cautionary message, urging consideration of potential downsides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running the hazard of

Synonymous, employing a more formal term for risk.

in danger of

Focuses on the state of being exposed to harm or negative consequences.

at risk of

Similar to "in danger of" but can also imply vulnerability.

liable to

Implies a probability or tendency toward something undesirable.

prone to

Suggests a natural inclination or susceptibility to something negative.

susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability or openness to negative influences or effects.

vulnerable to

Emphasizes a lack of protection against potential harm.

exposed to

Highlights a lack of shield or protection against something.

subject to

Suggests being under the authority or control of something, often with negative implications.

taking a chance on

Implies a conscious decision to accept possible negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "running the risk of" in a sentence?

You can use "running the risk of" to indicate the potential negative consequences of an action. For example, "By investing all your savings in a single stock, you are "running the risk of" losing everything."

What are some alternatives to "running the risk of"?

Alternatives include "in danger of", "at risk of", or "liable to", depending on the specific context.

Is "running the risk of" formal or informal?

"Running the risk of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly colloquial, it is readily understood and appropriate in various writing styles.

What's the difference between "running the risk of" and "taking a chance on"?

"Running the risk of" emphasizes the potential negative consequences of an action, while "taking a chance on" implies a willingness to accept the uncertainty of an outcome, which may not necessarily be negative. The former highlights potential harm, the latter, potential gain or loss.