Cool MateI couldn't risk your safety vs Jeopardize
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I couldn't risk your safety
Top 2,000 (common)
Jeopardize
Beyond 10,000 (less common)B1verb
Most common: I couldn't risk your safety
| I couldn't risk your safety | Jeopardize | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //rɪsk//🇺🇸 //rɪsk// | 🇬🇧 //ˈdʒɛpədaɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈdʒɛpərdaɪz// |
| Meaning | I couldn't put you in danger. | To put something at risk or make it vulnerable. |
| Example | I couldn't risk your safety by letting you drive home alone. | His reckless driving could jeopardize the lives of others. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | risk someone's safety, risk losing, risk of injury, risk a decision, risk assessment | jeopardize safety, jeopardize chances, jeopardize interests |
| Antonyms | - | protect, safeguard, secure |
| Common mistakes | Often confused with 'take a risk' which means to do something dangerous., Learners sometimes use 'risk' incorrectly without an object., Misunderstanding the nuance of 'risking' as an active choice rather than a passive situation. | Confusing with 'jeopardy', which refers to risk but is a noun., Using it as an adjective instead of a verb., Incorrectly placing it as a noun. |
| Usage notes | Use 'risk' in contexts related to danger or loss. It's neutral and suitable for formal and informal speech. Avoid using it in overly emotional contexts. | Use in contexts where someone's actions may endanger a situation, plan, or safety. Avoid in overly casual situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: I couldn't risk your safety vs Jeopardize
What's the difference between I couldn't risk your safety and Jeopardize?
I couldn't risk your safety: I couldn't put you in danger. Jeopardize: To put something at risk or make it vulnerable.
Which is more common: I couldn't risk your safety and Jeopardize?
I couldn't risk your safety is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I couldn't risk your safety: I couldn't risk your safety by letting you drive home alone. Jeopardize: His reckless driving could jeopardize the lives of others.
Can I use I couldn't risk your safety and Jeopardize interchangeably?
Not always. I couldn't risk your safety and Jeopardize are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.