taking risks

USAGE SUMMARY

'taking risks' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone is acting in a way that involves the potential for danger or failure. For example: "He's always been an entrepreneurial spirit, taking risks on new business ventures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That means taking risks.

Independent

It means taking risks.

The New York Times

I like taking risks.

The New York Times

They hate taking risks.

Harvard Business Review

He believes in "taking risks," he emphasized.

The New York Times - Arts

For taking risks and making it work.

The New York Times - Sports

Channels retrenched and commissioners stopped taking risks.

Independent

Taking risks comes with the territory.

Independent

"I'm ready to start taking risks".

Independent

"We are all taking risks.

The New York Times

It's all about taking risks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, pair "taking risks" with qualifiers to specify the type and extent of risk, such as "calculated risks" or "unnecessary risks".

Common error

While "taking risks" is widely understood, overuse can make your writing sound generic. Replace it with more specific alternatives like "embracing uncertainty" or "speculating" to add nuance and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking risks" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. As Ludwig AI highlights, it refers to situations involving potential danger or failure. It describes the act of engaging in activities where the outcome is uncertain, and potential losses are possible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking risks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes situations with potential dangers or failures. The phrase functions as a gerund, often acting as a noun, and its communicative purpose varies from encouraging innovation to criticizing reckless behavior. While its register is generally neutral, the connotations can be positive or negative based on context. To enhance writing, consider specific alternatives like "embracing uncertainty" or "speculating" for added nuance. Remember to avoid overuse and clarify the type of risk involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chance-taking

Underscores the element of unpredictability and the acceptance of potential negative results.

venturing

Indicates a bold undertaking, often with potential for significant gain or loss.

embracing uncertainty

Shifts the focus from potential negative outcomes to the proactive acceptance of unpredictable situations.

hazarding

Highlights the potential dangers and negative consequences of the risk.

speculating

Suggests risks are primarily financial and based on predictions about the future.

gambling

Implies a higher degree of chance and potential loss than simply "taking risks".

pushing boundaries

Emphasizes exceeding limitations and standard procedures, inevitably leading to risk.

committing to a gamble

Highlights making a decision where the outcome is heavily reliant on chance and can lead to loss.

defying convention

Focuses on challenging established norms, which inherently involves risk.

playing with fire

Suggests engaging in risky behavior, often with the awareness of potential danger.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking risks" to describe actions that involve uncertainty and potential negative outcomes. For instance, "Taking risks is essential for innovation" or "The company is "taking risks" by investing in new technology".

What are some alternatives to "taking risks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "embracing uncertainty", "gambling", or "venturing". Each alternative highlights different aspects of risk-taking.

Is it always positive to talk about "taking risks"?

No, the connotation depends on the context. "Taking risks" can be seen as positive when it leads to innovation or growth, but it can be viewed negatively if the risks are reckless or unnecessary.

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

"Taking risks" implies a calculated approach with potential rewards, while "being reckless" suggests acting without considering the consequences, often leading to negative outcomes. Therefore, “"taking risks"” involves analysis, unlike "being reckless".