a risk of vs the risk of

Both "a risk of" and "the risk of" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "A risk of" is used when referring to a non-specific risk among many possible risks, while "the risk of" is used when referring to a specific risk that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1153 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a non-specific risk among many possible risks.

"a risk of"

Use "a risk of" when you want to talk about one of the possible risks without specifying a particular one. It indicates a general risk among several possibilities.

Examples:

There is always a risk of failure when starting a new business.
There is a risk of injury when playing contact sports.
Taking on too much debt carries a risk of financial instability.
There is a risk of delays in the project due to unforeseen circumstances.
Investing in the stock market involves a risk of losing money.

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We think there's a risk of flight.
The most underdeveloped areas are at a risk of territorial exclusion
We may speak of a risk of humanitarian catastrophe.
These losses would correspond to a risk of default.
There is a risk of developing variable-speed networks.
However there is a risk of uncertainty regarding this information.
There's a risk of bringing an epidemic on the ship.
Officially, there's no longer a risk of evidence contamination.
No, there's a risk of bacterial contamination.
Radiolabelled Zevalin is radioactive and its use may carry a risk of cancer and hereditary defects.
After birth lamotrigine levels may increase rapidly with a risk of dose-related adverse events.
There is a risk of an effect on the baby.
Driving and using machines There is a risk of feeling drowsy when you are given OLANZAPINE NEOPHARMA.
Certain plant products posing a risk of spreading infectious or contagious diseases to animals should be subjected to veterinary checks.
However, there is a risk of uncertainty regarding this information.
Above the 30 % market share threshold there may be a risk of a significant reduction of intra-brand competition.
Driving and using machines There is a risk of feeling drowsy when you are given ZYPREXA.
I think there's a risk of that.
This creates a risk of noise dumping.
It carries a risk of a broad interpretation of "tasks".

Alternatives:

a possibility of risk
a chance of risk
a potential risk
an occurrence of risk
a likelihood of risk

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific risk that has been previously mentioned or is well-known.

"the risk of"

Use "the risk of" when you want to refer to a particular risk that is known or has been discussed. It indicates a specific risk that is being highlighted.

Examples:

The risk of wildfires is high during the dry season.
She is aware of the risk of overspending on unnecessary items.
We need to consider the risk of a cyber attack on our systems.
The report outlines the risk of a global economic downturn.
He explained the risk of not following safety procedures.

Show examples from the web [+]

Typically, to reduce the risk of aortic dissection.
Proper hygiene limits the risk of cross-infection.
All work equipment must be appropriate for protecting exposed workers against the risk of direct or indirect contact with electricity.
Pseudoephedrine sulphate carries the risk of abuse.
Long-term improved glycaemic control decreases the risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Longer droughts will increase the risk of forest fires.
If not, the risk of chain refoulement arises.
It decreases the risk of rejection and runaway cell growth.
Those protective measures significantly reduce the risk of piracy.
This also reduces the risk of infection.
That factor limits the risk of future impairments.
The medicine also reduced the risk of regaining weight.
Nevertheless, the risk of damage remains.
Blood collection procedures shall minimise the risk of microbial contamination.
These clauses significantly reduce the risk of cross-compensation.
I mean, his way minimizes the risk of recurrent shunt.
I understand the risk of reporting her escape to the authorities.
The problem is the risk of disease.
I live with the risk of exposure every day.
With either course, we undertake the risk of nuclear war.

Alternatives:

the possibility of risk
the chance of risk
the potential risk
the occurrence of risk
the likelihood of risk

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a risk of vs the risk of

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