this was risky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was risky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or decision that involved a significant level of danger or uncertainty. Example: "Investing in that startup was risky, but the potential rewards were too tempting to ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This was risky business.

The New York Times

This was risky.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was risky terrain, of course.

The Guardian - Opinion

"From a business perspective, this was risky," he said.

The New York Times

This was "risky at the very least", said Soliman.

The Guardian

But I must have known this was risky enough that I ran it by Eugene.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

This is risky business.

The New York Times - Arts

This is risky.

The Economist

For sure, this is risky.

The Guardian

But he admits this is risky.

The Economist

"This is risky business," Mr. Snyder said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was risky" to clearly communicate the presence of potential negative consequences or uncertain outcomes in a past event or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "this was risky" when the situation presents only minor or negligible potential downsides. Ensure the level of risk aligns with the gravity of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was risky" functions as an assessment of a past situation or action, highlighting the potential for negative outcomes or danger. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used to express that something carried a significant possibility of failure or harm.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was risky" is a commonly used phrase for acknowledging danger or uncertainty in past events. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed across different contexts, mainly in News & Media. When writing, ensure the level of risk accurately matches the situation being described. Alternative phrases include "it involved a risk" and "there was danger involved". This phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it involved a risk

Emphasizes the risk as an inherent part of the situation.

there was danger involved

Highlights the presence of potential harm or negative consequences.

it posed a threat

Focuses on the potential for harm or damage.

it was a gamble

Suggests that the outcome was uncertain and dependent on chance.

that was a perilous move

Highlights the high level of danger and potential for failure.

it entailed some hazard

Highlights the hazardous nature of the action.

that action was ill-advised

Focuses on the poor judgment involved in making a risky decision.

it was a chancy proposition

Indicates that the outcome was uncertain and unreliable.

that was pushing the envelope

Indicates that something was approaching or exceeding acceptable boundaries of risk.

it was a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and potential for collapse or failure.

FAQs

How can I use "this was risky" in a sentence?

You can use "this was risky" to describe a past situation or decision that involved potential danger or negative consequences. For example, "Launching the product without testing was risky, but we needed to meet the deadline."

What phrases are similar to "this was risky"?

Alternatives include "it involved a risk", "there was danger involved", or "it posed a threat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this was risky" in formal writing?

Yes, "this was risky" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a straightforward and clear way to express the presence of risk. However, the formality of your overall tone and vocabulary should remain consistent.

What's the difference between "this was risky" and "this is risky"?

"This was risky" refers to a past event or decision, while "this is risky" refers to a present or future one. For example, "Investing in that company last year was risky" versus "Investing in that company now is risky".