smallest risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smallest risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the least amount of risk associated with a particular action, decision, or situation. Example: "Among all the investment options, this one presents the smallest risk to our capital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The question is, what can be cut with the biggest financial gains and smallest risk?

The New York Times - Science

Given the choice, most people will opt for a drug (or form of a drug) with the nicest effects and the smallest risk of harm.

The Guardian - Opinion

The decision to carry out an honor killing is usually made by the family as a group, and an under-age boy is often nominated to carry out the task, to eliminate even the smallest risk of a prison sentence.

The New York Times

In India especially, even the smallest risk of a facing a challenge in court tends to result in a ruinously costly delay.That is why even market-friendly economies, such as America's, have laws that provide for compulsory land sales.

The Economist

The base stations with the smallest risk of saturation are BS15, BS11, BS31, BS17 and BS21.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It details statements from the two officers involved in the case, including the claim from Officer A that "he has learned that the mouth is not considered to be one of the cavities of the body" and using the baton "has the smallest risk of injury compared with suffocating or inducing vomiting".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

And this is just a small risk".

The New York Times

"It's not a small risk".

The New York Times

But it's a small risk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A 100% increase of a very small risk is still a very small risk.

The Guardian

"You're taking a small risk and raising it somewhat," she said, "but it's still a small risk".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating options, clearly articulate the "smallest risk" alongside potential benefits to provide a balanced assessment. This is particularly effective in formal reports and presentations.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of the "smallest risk". Accurately represent its potential consequences to maintain credibility and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smallest risk" functions as a noun phrase, where "smallest" modifies the noun "risk". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to identify and emphasize the option or action that carries the least amount of potential danger or negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smallest risk" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across various fields, including news, science, and formal communication. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used to denote the option or action with the least potential for negative consequences. While alternatives like "minimal risk" or "safest bet" exist, "smallest risk" effectively communicates the concept of minimizing potential harm. When using this phrase, ensure accuracy in assessing and representing the level of risk to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal hazard

Replaces "risk" with "hazard", emphasizing the potential for harm, while keeping the sense of minimization.

least danger

Substitutes "risk" with "danger", highlighting the potential for harm and emphasizing its minimization.

lowest exposure

Focuses on reducing contact with a potentially harmful element, altering the framing slightly.

negligible threat

Emphasizes the insignificance of the danger, using more formal vocabulary.

minimum peril

Replaces "risk" with "peril", highlighting a state of danger while emphasizing the minimization of said danger.

safest bet

Shifts the context to decision-making, emphasizing the option with the least chance of negative consequences.

tiniest gamble

Uses "gamble" to suggest an element of chance and emphasizes its minimal nature.

slightest possibility of failure

Expands on "risk" to specifically address the chance of not succeeding.

most secure option

Shifts the focus to security, emphasizing the choice that offers the greatest protection.

understated vulnerability

Highlights vulnerability, suggesting the presence of something or someone that could be harmed, and emphasizes its understated/minimal nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "smallest risk" to describe an option or action that carries the least amount of potential danger or negative consequence. For example: "We chose the investment with the "smallest risk" to our capital."

What are some alternatives to saying "smallest risk"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "minimal risk", "least danger", or "safest bet".

Is it always best to choose the option with the "smallest risk"?

Not necessarily. While minimizing risk is often desirable, it's important to consider potential rewards and benefits. Sometimes, a higher-risk option may offer greater potential gains, so it's crucial to assess the trade-offs.

What's the difference between "smallest risk" and "acceptable risk"?

"Smallest risk" refers to the option with the least potential for harm, while "acceptable risk" refers to a level of risk that an individual or organization is willing to tolerate. The option with the "smallest risk" may not always be an "acceptable risk" due to other factors like cost or feasibility.