the risk of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the risk of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a potential danger or hazard. For example, "The risk of developing diabetes is higher if you are overweight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The risk of instability remains.

The Economist

There's the risk of hemorrhage.

The New Yorker

The risk of legal action is low.

The Economist

So does the risk of being obese.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is the risk of infection.

The New Yorker

The government takes the risk of default.

The New York Times

The risk of a regional war exists".

The New York Times

That reduces the risk of anaphylaxis.

The Economist

The risk of sentimentality is great.

The New Yorker

These changes increase the risk of dehydration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cyberparenting and the Risk of T.M.I.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential negative outcomes, use "the risk of" followed by a specific and clear description of what could happen. This helps ensure the audience understands the potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "the risk of" in a vague or general way. Instead of saying "there's a risk", specify what the risk is (e.g., "the risk of data breach", "the risk of project delay").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the risk of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the possibility of an undesirable outcome or potential danger. Ludwig examples show it precedes various nouns, specifying potential hazards like "infection", "cancer", or "financial failure".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the risk of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that introduces potential dangers or negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various writing contexts. The analysis of Ludwig's examples highlights its prevalence in news, science, and general informational sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the exact risk you're referencing. Alternatives include "the danger of" and "the possibility of", each carrying slightly different connotations. By following best practices, you can effectively use "the risk of" to communicate potential hazards and inform your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the danger of

Focuses more on the potential for harm or negative consequences.

the peril of

Implies a more immediate or serious threat.

the hazard of

Similar to "danger", but often used in the context of workplace safety or environmental concerns.

the possibility of

Indicates a chance that something might happen, without necessarily emphasizing the negative aspect.

the threat of

Highlights the intention or likelihood of something harmful occurring.

the likelihood of

Focuses on the probability of an event, whether positive or negative.

the chance of

Indicates a possibility, often used in a more neutral or even positive context.

the exposure to

Emphasizes the state of being subjected to something, which may carry a risk.

the probability of

Similar to "likelihood", but often used in more formal or statistical contexts.

the potential for

Highlights the possibility of something developing or occurring, without necessarily implying a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "the risk of" in a sentence?

Use "the risk of" to introduce a potential negative outcome or hazard. For example, "There is "the risk of infection" if you don't clean the wound properly."

What can I say instead of "the risk of"?

You can use alternatives like "the danger of", "the peril of", or "the possibility of", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "risk of" or "risks of"?

Use "risk of" when referring to a general category of risk or a single specific risk. Use "risks of" when referring to multiple, distinct risks. For example, "the risk of flooding" versus "the risks of investing in the stock market".

What's the difference between "the risk of" and "at the risk of"?

"The risk of" introduces a potential negative outcome, while "at the risk of" indicates that someone is taking a chance that could lead to a negative outcome. For example, "the risk of failure is high" versus "I'm telling you this at "the risk of sounding stupid"".