Risk

reduce risk

A fatty diet increases the risk of heart disease whereas a low fat diet reduces the risk.

take risk

We cannot afford to take risks when people’s lives are involved.

carry risk

Boxing is a contact sport which carries a high risk of injury. However, wearing protective headgear can help minimize the risk of head injury.

pose risk

The chemicals in food are not dangerous. They pose little risk to health.

consider risk

I’ve considered all the risks of having the operation and I’ve decided to go ahead.

outweigh risk

All things considered, the benefits of this treatment outweigh the risks.

real risk

I must warn you that is a small, but real risk that something could go wrong.

calculated risk

The director took a calculated risk, giving the film’s main role to an unknown actor, but it paid off. The film was a great success.

potential risk

The information in this leaflet warns young people of the potential risks to health associated with drug use.

unnecessary risk

You are exposing yourself to unnecessary risks by walking through the park alone at night.

small risk

I want to take no risks, however small.

prepared risk

That’s a risk I’m not prepared to take.

worth risk

If we buy these shares, we might lose all our money! It’s just not worth the risk.

aware risk

It’s OK. I’m fully aware of the risks involved.

own risk

You leave your bike here at your own risk.

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Hygiene is so bad in this hospital that there is a serious risk of infection. (Big risk)

There is a slight risk of side-effects with this drug. You may feel a little sick or dizzy at times. (Small risk)

Please remember that any financial investment contains an element of risk, but it’s only a minimal risk as far as we are concerned. (Small risk)

He sold his house and invested the money in the stock market. It was a huge risk to take, but it proved worthwhile in the end. He’s now a millionaire. (Big risk)

You’ve got to wear protective goggle as the light is very string and there’s a high risk of damage to your eyesight. (Big risk)

Lots of war correspondent carry out their work at great risk to themselves. (Big risk)

 

Notes

• If people’s lives have been ‘put at risk’, they have been put into a dangerous situation.
• Note the common expression: Run the risk of –ing:

If you don’t put a coat on, you’ll run the risk of catching a cold.

Unless his performance improves, he runs the risk of losing his job.

• We talk of a health, fire, and security risk:

Some people think res meat is a serious health risk.

Campers and picknickers pose the biggest fire risk in the forests in the summer.

The Pope decided to travel in an open car – despite the security risk.