be at risk vs be at peril

Both "be at risk" and "be at peril" are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Be at risk" is more commonly used to indicate exposure to danger or harm, while "be at peril" is less common and tends to convey a sense of imminent danger or serious threat.

Last updated: March 25, 2024

be at risk

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate exposure to danger or harm.

This phrase is used to describe situations where someone or something is in a position where harm or danger is possible.

Examples:

Investing in stocks can be risky.
Swimming in deep waters puts you at risk of drowning.
Driving without a seatbelt puts you at risk of injury.
Living near a volcano means you are at risk of eruptions.
Not wearing sunscreen puts you at risk of sunburn.

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Patients who have required high dose emergency corticosteroid therapy in the past may also be at risk.
A Base Psychiatrist described her... as unstable and cautioned that her life might be at risk.
All right, so anyone talking to us could be at risk.
I mean, his life could be at risk.
Wethersby's well-being, if not his life, to be at risk unless you grant my motion.
If you leave the palace to look for Richard, your life will be at risk.
If we don't catch this guy tonight, you could be at risk for a very long time.
Hypoglycaemia Patients receiving Velmetia in combination with a sulphonylurea may be at risk for hypoglycaemia.
I was only told that your safety could be at risk.
Anyway... this ride along program is a fairly new measure, designed to help federal employees who've been through a traumatic incident and may be at risk.
If we don't contain it here, even more people could be at risk.
Consolidation targets continue to be at risk, notably in a number of countries with an excessive deficit.
Anyway... this ride along program is a fairly new measure, designed to help federal employees who've been through a traumatic incident and may be at risk.
And if it's handled wrong, our jobs could be at risk.
Our European businesses, especially, might be at risk if we do not act and stand firm.
So it is not helpful to start speculating about countries that may be at risk.
In the Maltese Islands we have fewer than a hundred endemic species, some of which may be at risk.
In Portugal, there have been protest movements in various parts of the country, with communities considering that their health and wellbeing could be at risk from such lines.
If there are no bidders for a concession, public services may be at risk.
Hypoglycaemia Patients receiving Efficib in combination with a sulphonylurea may be at risk for hypoglycaemia.

Alternatives:

be in danger
be in jeopardy
be vulnerable
be exposed to risk
be at a disadvantage

be at peril

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It conveys a sense of imminent danger or serious threat.

This phrase is used to emphasize a situation where someone or something is in immediate danger or facing a serious threat.