taking calculated risks

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking calculated risks" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe making a decision or taking an action that may involve some level of risk, but that has been carefully evaluated and planned for beforehand. It implies a level of thoughtfulness and strategic thinking. Example: "As a successful entrepreneur, Jane is known for her skill in taking calculated risks. She carefully analyzes market trends and potential outcomes before making any big business decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Taking calculated risks gets my adrenaline pumping".

The New York Times

They don't fear taking calculated risks.

Independent

I was taking calculated risks, and it worked.

The Guardian - Sport

"My job at Goldman was about taking calculated risks.

The Guardian

Mr. Haley is also known for taking calculated risks.

The New York Times

It is about knowing your passions, being bold and taking calculated risks.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Take calculated risks.

The Guardian - Opinion

You have to encourage people to take calculated risks.

The New York Times

It can take calculated risks with investors' money.

The New York Times

"You've got to take calculated risks that you believe in.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, clipping a gate brings a two-second penalty, requiring paddlers to take calculated risks.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In a professional resume or cover letter, pair this phrase with a specific outcome (e.g. "by taking calculated risks, I increased the department's ROI by 15%") to demonstrate analytical leadership.

Common error

Avoid using redundant adjectives like "carefully taking calculated risks". Since "calculated" already implies careful analysis, adding "carefully" creates a tautology that can make your writing feel cluttered or amateurish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking calculated risks" functions primarily as a gerund phrase. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often serves as the object of a preposition (e.g. "good at...") or the subject of a sentence. The gerund form "taking" gives the phrase a sense of ongoing action or a characteristic behavior.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Informal

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Based on the extensive data from Ludwig, "taking calculated risks" is a highly efficient and widely recognized phrase in contemporary English. It appears consistently across elite publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, where it is used to describe everything from athletic strategies to international diplomacy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suggests a high degree of analytical rigor. Whether you are writing a business proposal, a sports analysis, or a psychological profile, this phrase remains the standard way to describe the act of moving forward despite uncertainty by using intelligence and preparation as a safeguard.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursuing strategic risks

Emphasizes the alignment of the risk with a long-term goal or vision.

engaging in evaluated risk-taking

Uses more formal language to describe the process of analysis.

embracing controlled uncertainty

Focuses on the management of unknown factors rather than the risk itself.

taking deliberate chances

Highlights the intentionality and choice behind the action.

undertaking assessed ventures

Formal phrasing often used in business or academic literature.

executing measured gambles

Suggests a slightly more adventurous but still quantifiable approach.

making informed wagers

Uses a metaphor for betting while stressing the presence of information.

making cautious bets

Implicitly suggests a lower appetite for risk compared to the main query.

accepting quantified hazards

Uses technical terminology typical of safety or insurance sectors.

navigating predictable dangers

Focuses on the ability to steer through known threats.

FAQs

How do I use "taking calculated risks" in a professional sentence?

You can use it to describe a strategic mindset. For example: "The CEO's success is attributed to her habit of "taking calculated risks" in emerging markets."

What is the difference between "taking calculated risks" and "taking a gamble"?

While both involve uncertainty, "taking a gamble" often suggests luck or lack of control, whereas the main query implies a high level of research and planning.

Is it correct to say "taking a calculated risk" instead?

Yes, both the plural and singular forms are correct. Use the singular "taking a calculated risk" when referring to one specific decision, and the plural for a general trait or multiple actions.

What are some synonyms for "taking calculated risks" in business?

Depending on the tone, you might use "strategic risk-taking", "measured decision making", or "executing deliberate strategies".