taking a considerable risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking a considerable risk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or decisions that involve a significant level of uncertainty or potential negative outcomes. Example: "Investing in a startup can be exciting, but it also means taking a considerable risk with your finances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sherwin Belkin, another Manhattan lawyer who represents landlords, said that tenants who break their leases without legal justification are taking a considerable risk.

The New York Times

The Brotherhood is taking a considerable risk in running its own candidate against him, since its victory is by no means assured.

The New York Times

Taking a considerable risk, they came away with a video documenting a deal, in which Kassar talks about shooting down American helicopters, as well as scenes of his house, his associates, and his poodle.

The New Yorker

Perelman, by casually posting a proof on the Internet of one of the most famous problems in mathematics, was not just flouting academic convention but taking a considerable risk.

The New Yorker

Hutchinson was therefore taking a considerable risk in putting a permanent dwelling at this site.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"A goodly number of the bishops took a considerable risk by being there," the bishop said.

The New York Times

By launching these two ninnies in a vehicle about as sturdy as a candy wrapper, Smith took a considerable risk.

The New Yorker

By firing those who refused to heed his warning, and breaking their union, Reagan took a considerable risk.

The New York Times

Dr. Venter seems to have taken a considerable risk by starting his assembly at the end of March this year when he possessed only a threefold coverage of the genome.

The New York Times

In the closing section of the opera, composer and librettist took a considerable risk that didn't quite pay off on opening night.

The New Yorker

As a genre, memoir is always vulnerable to accusations of self-absorption, so this memoir about the forty-day shoot of "Being Flynn," a film based on the author's previous memoir, takes a considerable risk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "taking a considerable risk", ensure the context clearly outlines what specific potential negative outcomes are involved. This adds transparency and shows depth of understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "taking a considerable risk" without detailing the potential downsides. A general statement lacks impact; specifying the concrete potential negative consequences strengthens your point and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking a considerable risk" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of engaging in something with a notable chance of negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking a considerable risk" is a versatile expression used to describe scenarios involving significant potential for negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys a sense of informed awareness about potential downsides, helping writers and speakers add depth when discussing potentially hazardous choices. While alternatives exist, tailoring vocabulary to express a very specific nuance is essential, as the semantic landscape may vary significantly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embracing a significant gamble

Replaces "risk" with "gamble" and "considerable" with "significant", emphasizing chance and uncertainty.

facing a substantial hazard

Substitutes "risk" with "hazard" and "considerable" with "substantial", highlighting the potential for danger.

venturing into perilous territory

Uses a more figurative expression with "perilous territory" instead of a direct mention of risk.

exposing oneself to major jeopardy

Emphasizes personal vulnerability by using "exposing oneself" and replaces "risk" with "jeopardy".

playing with fire

An idiomatic expression that implies engaging in something dangerous or risky.

taking a calculated leap of faith

Introduces the concept of faith, suggesting a risk taken despite uncertainty, but after some thought.

navigating treacherous waters

Employs a metaphor to convey the idea of dealing with a risky or difficult situation.

courting disaster

Indicates actions that could easily lead to negative outcomes.

gambling with high stakes

Highlights the potential for significant loss by using "high stakes".

accepting a high probability of failure

Focuses on the likelihood of a negative result, replacing the indirect concept of risk.

FAQs

How can I use "taking a considerable risk" in a sentence?

You can use "taking a considerable risk" to describe situations where someone is engaging in an activity with potentially significant negative consequences. For example: "Investing in that venture is "taking a considerable risk", given the current market volatility."

What are some alternatives to "taking a considerable risk"?

Some alternatives include "embracing a significant gamble", "facing a substantial hazard", or "venturing into perilous territory". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "taking a considerable risk" or "taking a big risk"?

"Taking a considerable risk" and "taking a big risk" are similar, but "considerable" suggests a more carefully weighed and significant level of risk than "big". Use "considerable" when you want to emphasize the calculated nature or the substantial implications of the risk.

What does it mean to "take on considerable risks"?

"Taking on considerable risks" means willingly accepting or assuming situations with a high likelihood of negative outcomes or losses. It implies a conscious decision to proceed despite known potential dangers, much like "taking a considerable risk".