seems risky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems risky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a perception or opinion about a situation that appears to involve danger or uncertainty. Example: "Investing in that startup seems risky, given their lack of a solid business plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

That seems risky.

The New York Times

With digital gaining further momentum, waiting seems risky.

The Guardian

Yes, it seems risky to give an opponent a short field.

The Washington Post

They flee any stock or bond that seems risky, causing markets to slump.

The New York Times

What seems risky is also often no accident or happenstance of evolutionary psychology.

The New York Times

If it seems risky, a nebbiolo rosé from Burlotto in the Piedmont might be just the thing.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Hitching seems riskier now.

The New York Times

We resist it when it seems riskier than the alternative.

The Guardian - Books

In retrospect, the idea seemed risky.

The New York Times

Operating in a truck may seem risky.

The Guardian

To some officers, ticket-fixing has always seemed risky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seems risky", consider whether you need to quantify the risk. Instead of just saying something "seems risky", add context: "seems risky given the current market conditions".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "seems risky" without explaining why something appears so. Lack of supporting details weakens your statement. Be specific about the perceived dangers or uncertainties to strengthen your point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems risky" primarily functions as a subjective assessment. It expresses an opinion or perception about a situation, action, or plan, indicating that it appears to involve potential danger, uncertainty, or negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems risky" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for expressing a subjective assessment of potential danger or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in news and media demonstrates its broad applicability. When using "seems risky", it's best practice to provide context and specific details to support your assessment. Alternatives such as "appears dangerous" or "sounds precarious" can add nuance depending on the specific situation. While the phrase is generally neutral, understanding its register and communicative purpose is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears dangerous

Emphasizes the aspect of potential harm or danger, making it a stronger and more direct assessment of risk.

looks perilous

Highlights the severe and imminent nature of the risk involved, suggesting a high probability of negative outcomes.

sounds precarious

Focuses on the instability and uncertainty associated with the situation, implying a delicate balance that could easily be disrupted.

carries threats

Highlights a specific external danger, and focuses on the danger's source.

feels chancy

Conveys a more intuitive and subjective sense of risk, based on a personal assessment of the odds.

presents hazards

Highlights the presence of identifiable dangers, making it suitable for describing situations with specific, concrete risks.

entails hazards

Points out the existence of hazards that need to be considered, suitable for situations where specific dangers are involved.

poses challenges

Emphasizes the difficulties and obstacles that need to be overcome, downplaying the potential for harm but acknowledging the complexity.

involves uncertainty

Focuses solely on the lack of predictability and the ambiguity surrounding the outcome, without necessarily implying negative consequences.

has its downsides

Acknowledges potential drawbacks without specifically highlighting the risk, offering a more balanced perspective.

FAQs

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

The phrase "seems risky" typically describes a situation, action, or plan that appears to have potential negative consequences or a high probability of failure. For example, "Investing all our savings in that venture "seems risky" given the high market volatility".

What are some alternatives to "seems risky"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "appears dangerous", "sounds precarious", or "feels chancy". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of risk or uncertainty.

Is it better to say "seems risky" or "is risky"?

The choice depends on your level of certainty. "Seems risky" indicates a perception or opinion, while "is risky" implies a confirmed fact. Use "seems risky" when you are expressing an assessment based on available information, but lack definitive proof.

What's the difference between "seems risky" and "sounds risky"?

"Seems risky" is a general assessment of risk based on overall perception, while "sounds risky" suggests the risk is apparent from the description or information provided. For example, "The proposal "seems risky" after reviewing the budget", versus "The proposal "sounds risky" based on your explanation of potential losses".