too many risks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'too many risks' is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a situation that has more potential risks than would be normally accepted. For example, "Taking on this project would pose too many risks, so I think it's best to just wait until next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Horschel was taking too many risks.

The New York Times - Sports

There seemed to be too many risks.

The Guardian

She had a free spirit that I loved, even though she took too many risks.

The New Yorker

Without beefed-up European supervision, it could lead to banks taking too many risks.

The Economist

There are too many sacred cows to be slaughtered, too many risks to be run.

The Economist

Taking too many risks in banking is a recipe for disaster, we all know that now.

The Guardian - Music

I was young, I wanted to push – maybe I took too many risks.

The Guardian

We looked at the budget and concluded that the proposed business plan presented too many risks.

The Guardian

Nationalism offered an escape, but it was one with too many risks.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, Perry thinks luxury retail is a bad business for most investors — too many risks, too many divas.

The New York Times - Magazine

6th over: England 37-1 (target 149; Hales 22, Wright 9) England probably won't take too many risks against Vettori.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating options, quantify the risks whenever possible to determine if there are "too many risks" relative to the potential rewards. Consider using a risk assessment matrix.

Common error

Avoid using "too many risks" hyperbolically. Ensure that the situation genuinely presents a number of significant potential negative outcomes, not just minor inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too many risks" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object, subject complement, or within prepositional phrases. It describes a situation where the quantity or severity of potential negative outcomes is excessive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "too many risks" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a situation involves an unacceptably high level of potential negative outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across diverse contexts, from news and business to science and general discussions. When using the phrase, consider quantifying the risks and avoid exaggeration to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "excessive hazards" or "undue peril" can add formality when needed. In conclusion, this phrase is a versatile and effective way to communicate concern about potential dangers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive hazards

Replaces "risks" with a synonym emphasizing danger or peril; somewhat more formal.

unacceptable dangers

Substitutes both "too many" and "risks" to highlight the danger is beyond what is tolerable.

overabundance of risks

Uses a more formal phrasing to indicate an excessive amount of risks.

a multitude of risks

Emphasizes the large number of risks involved, rather than their excessiveness.

an overwhelming number of risks

Highlights the risks being difficult to manage because of their quantity.

undue peril

Conveys the idea of excessive and inappropriate risk or danger.

needless hazards

Highlights that the risks involved are unnecessary or avoidable.

excessive exposure

Focuses on the exposure to potential harm, rather than the risks themselves.

overly precarious

Shifts the focus to the instability and uncertainty introduced by the risks.

gratuitous risks

Suggests the risks are unwarranted or uncalled for.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "too many risks" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "excessive hazards", "undue peril", or "overabundance of risks" to convey a similar meaning with heightened formality.

When is it appropriate to say there are "too many risks"?

It's appropriate when the potential negative outcomes outweigh the possible benefits or when the level of uncertainty is unacceptably high. Evaluate whether the situation truly presents an unmanageable level of potential harm.

What's a less formal way to say "too many risks"?

In less formal situations, you could say there are "too many dangers" or that something is "overly precarious". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect you want to emphasize.

How do I determine if there are genuinely "too many risks"?

Conduct a thorough risk assessment that identifies potential negative outcomes, estimates their likelihood and impact, and compares them against acceptable thresholds. If the overall risk level exceeds your tolerance, there are likely "too many risks".