undertake a risk

USAGE SUMMARY

"undertake a risk" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to take on or accept a risk, usually with the intention of achieving a desired outcome. You can use this phrase in a variety of contexts, such as when discussing business decisions, personal challenges, or adventurous activities. Example: "In order to expand our company, we must be willing to undertake a certain amount of risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It also recommended that GDF Suez undertake a risk assessment of the likelihood and consequences of a fire and the most effective protection for exposed coal surfaces.

The Guardian

Specifically, the method could be used to undertake a risk assessment of the effectiveness of ecological corridors.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

There remains a relatively weak evidence base for the role of orthodontic treatment and gingival recession and thus a need to undertake a risk assessment and appropriate consent prior to the commencement of treatment.

Progress in Orthodontics

This not only highlights the need to undertake a risk assessment before treatment is commenced, with appropriate consent, but also to be aware during treatment for signs of recession.

Progress in Orthodontics

The consensus viewpoint from this day was that whilst controversy still exists in relation to the role of orthodontic treatment and gingival recession, there is a need to undertake a risk assessment and appropriate consent prior to the commencement of treatment.

Progress in Orthodontics

It is important to undertake a risk assessment regarding the safe use of gloves.

Anaesthesia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Mr. Lamb, the Kaiser spokesman, noted that Kaiser had undertaken a risk by signing long-term fixed-price contracts five years ago, at times paying more than the market price it could have gotten for electricity elsewhere.

The New York Times

Other steps include: undertaking a risk assessment of the bribery risks that you may face; doing thorough due diligence on agents, facilitators and others you may employ to act on your behalf in a foreign market; and communicating your policies on anti-bribery widely.

The Guardian

In its statement, Amsa said it had undertaken a risk assessment "and determined that the current weather conditions would make any air and sea search activities hazardous and pose a risk to crew".

BBC

This may indicate that the many respondents who had undertaken a risk behaviour were actually not frequent risk takers, but had a single exposure.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

F: But it could be as simple as undertaking a risk review of the reception area from a health and safety perspective.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undertake a risk", ensure the context clearly defines the nature and potential consequences of the risk. This provides transparency and allows for informed decision-making.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential negative outcomes when describing the risk undertaken. Focus on providing a balanced assessment that acknowledges both the potential downsides and the potential benefits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undertake a risk" functions as a verb phrase where 'undertake' acts as a transitive verb, taking 'a risk' as its direct object. This indicates an action of accepting or engaging with a potential hazard, a fact that Ludwig AI confirms as a valid pattern.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undertake a risk" is a grammatically sound phrase that means to accept a potential hazard or negative outcome in pursuit of a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While not extremely frequent, it appears across various contexts, from scientific research to news reports. To use this phrase effectively, clearly define the specific risk involved and provide a balanced assessment of both potential benefits and drawbacks. While phrases like "take on a risk" or "assume a risk" offer similar meanings, "undertake a risk" suggests a more deliberate and calculated approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take on a risk

Emphasizes accepting responsibility for a risk.

assume a risk

Highlights the acceptance of a risk, often consciously.

incur a risk

Focuses on the possibility of experiencing negative consequences.

expose oneself to a risk

Highlights the act of making oneself vulnerable to potential harm.

run a risk

Implies proceeding despite the presence of danger.

hazard a guess

Taking a risk by giving an answer with little confidence.

gamble

Focuses on speculative risk.

chance it

Taking a chance/risk.

play with fire

Undertaking a reckless risk with potentially dangerous results.

tempt fate

Undertaking a risk based on superstition.

FAQs

How can I use "undertake a risk" in a sentence?

You can use "undertake a risk" when describing the acceptance of possible negative outcomes in pursuit of a goal. For example: "The company decided to "undertake a risk" by investing in the new technology."

What are some alternatives to "undertake a risk"?

Alternatives include phrases like "take on a risk", "assume a risk", or "incur a risk", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to "undertake a risk" or "take a risk"?

"Undertake a risk" implies a more deliberate and considered decision, while "take a risk" can suggest a more impulsive action. The best choice depends on the context and the level of analysis involved.

What's the difference between "undertake a risk assessment" and "undertake a risk"?

"Undertake a risk assessment" means to evaluate potential risks, while ""undertake a risk"" means to accept and proceed in the face of a potential hazard. The assessment informs the decision to undertake the risk.