slight risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a low level of danger or potential negative outcome in various contexts, such as finance, health, or safety. Example: "Investing in this startup carries a slight risk, but the potential rewards could be significant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a slight risk.

Cornell University

He acknowledges a slight risk to the pacemaker during physical contact.

The New York Times

Mr. Pataki runs a slight risk of losing the conservative wing of his party.

The New York Times

Slight risk reductions were also found in women who ate fish once a week or less.

The New York Times

Slight risk of skin disease from moss-borne fungus; wear rubber gloves.

The Washington Post

The drug also carries a slight risk of impotence, lasting as long as it is used.

The New York Times

Avoid unpasteurized milik and cheese and raw eggs, because of the slight risk of infections.

Women's Health Medicine

For the most vigorous of nose-pickers, there's a slight risk of breaking blood vessels as well.

Columbia University

East won the first trick by ruffing the dummy's king and took a slight risk by cashing the club ace.

The New York Times - Arts

The (slight) risk of conceiving a child with disorders such as autism and schizophrenia increases the older the father.

The Guardian - Opinion

Slaughtering cattle that cannot walk, known as "downer" cattle, poses a slight risk of introducing disease into the food supply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slight risk", quantify or qualify the risk if possible to provide context. For example, "There is a slight risk of data loss if the system is not backed up regularly."

Common error

Avoid using "slight risk" when the potential consequences are severe, even if the probability is low. In such cases, it's more accurate to acknowledge the potential severity despite the low likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight risk" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation involving a minimal level of danger or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a common way to acknowledge a potential negative outcome without exaggerating its probability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight risk" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations with a minimal level of danger or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread use across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia makes it a versatile choice for communicating potential negative outcomes without overstating their probability. When using "slight risk", consider the specific context and quantify or qualify the risk when possible to provide greater clarity. Be mindful not to use it when the potential consequences, though unlikely, are severe. Alternatives like "minor risk" or "low risk" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor risk

Replaces "slight" with "minor", indicating a small degree of risk.

low risk

Substitutes "slight" with "low", emphasizing the minimal level of risk involved.

small risk

Uses "small" instead of "slight" to denote a reduced level of risk.

minimal risk

Employs "minimal" to highlight the very limited nature of the risk.

negligible risk

Indicates that the risk is so small it can be disregarded.

modest risk

Uses "modest" to convey a moderate or limited level of risk.

limited risk

Highlights that the risk is contained or not widespread.

remote possibility

Shifts the focus to the unlikelihood of a negative outcome.

theoretical risk

Suggests the risk is more hypothetical than practical.

potential downside

Focuses on the possibility of a negative consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "slight risk" in a sentence?

You can use "slight risk" to describe situations where there is a low probability of a negative outcome. For example: "Investing in bonds carries a "slight risk" of default."

What are some alternatives to "slight risk"?

Alternatives to "slight risk" include "minor risk", "low risk", "small risk", or "minimal risk". The best choice depends on the context and the degree of risk you want to convey.

Is it better to say "slight risk" or "small risk"?

Both "slight risk" and "small risk" are acceptable and largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Slight" might imply a more subtle or less noticeable risk than "small."

What does it mean when a weather forecast mentions a "slight risk" of severe weather?

In weather forecasts, a "slight risk" indicates that severe weather is possible, but not widespread or particularly intense. It means that some locations within the designated area could experience severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, or other hazardous conditions, but the overall threat is limited.