taking chances

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking chances" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to do something risky or daring. Example: She was always a cautious person, but she decided to take a chance and quit her stable job to travel the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's taking chances".

The New York Times - Sports

In taking chances.

The New Yorker

But he liked taking chances.

The New Yorker

"I stopped taking chances.

The New York Times - Sports

Afraid of taking chances.

The Guardian - Sport

They're not taking chances there.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A lot of women are taking chances".

The New York Times

I'm grafting and taking chances.

The Guardian - Sport

Taking Chances is unexpectedly edgy.

The Guardian - Music

Still, I'm not taking chances.

The New York Times

Dolan is done taking chances.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking chances" when you want to convey a sense of boldness or willingness to accept potential negative consequences in pursuit of a goal.

Common error

While "taking chances" is acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in a short span. Opt for synonyms like "embracing risks" or "seizing opportunities" to maintain variety and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking chances" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun in a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes the act of doing something risky or daring, as showcased in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Reference

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking chances" is a common and acceptable way to describe the act of doing something risky or daring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While primarily neutral in register, it can also appear in more informal settings. Synonyms such as "embracing risks" or "seizing opportunities" can be used to provide variety. When using the phrase remember to use it carefully and make sure you are aware that synonyms exist to improve your content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embracing risks

Replaces "chances" with "risks", highlighting the potential negative outcomes.

seizing opportunities

Shifts the focus to the positive potential, emphasizing the proactive nature of the action.

being adventurous

Focuses on the spirit of exploration and excitement associated with taking risks.

risking it all

Emphasizes the high stakes and potential for significant loss.

gambling on success

Implies a calculated risk with the hope of a favorable outcome.

going out on a limb

Suggests a vulnerable position taken for a potential reward.

playing with fire

Highlights the dangerous and potentially destructive nature of the risk.

tempting fate

Suggests a challenge to destiny or luck.

rolling the dice

Emphasizes the element of randomness and unpredictability.

stepping into the unknown

Focuses on the uncertainty and lack of information about the potential outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "taking chances" in a sentence?

"Taking chances" can be used to describe a situation where someone is doing something risky. For example, "He knew he was "taking chances" by investing all his money in the stock market, but he hoped it would pay off."

What is another way to say "taking chances"?

You can use alternatives such as "embracing risks", "seizing opportunities", or "being adventurous" depending on the context.

Is it better to avoid "taking chances"?

Whether to avoid ""taking chances"" depends on the situation. Sometimes it's necessary to take risks to achieve a goal, but it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential costs.

What's the difference between "taking chances" and "being reckless"?

"Taking chances" implies a calculated risk, while "being reckless" suggests acting without considering the consequences. "Taking chances" involves some level of awareness, while recklessness is more impulsive.