Cool MateHazard vs I couldn't risk your safety
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Hazard
Top 3,000 (common)C1noun
I couldn't risk your safety
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: I couldn't risk your safety
| Hazard | I couldn't risk your safety | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈhæzəd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhæzərd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rɪsk//🇺🇸 //rɪsk// |
| Meaning | Something that can cause harm or danger. | I couldn't put you in danger. |
| Example | The slippery floors are a serious hazard in the factory. | I couldn't risk your safety by letting you drive home alone. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | big, great, major, cause, create, pose, hazard for, hazard to, exposure to a hazard | risk someone's safety, risk losing, risk of injury, risk a decision, risk assessment |
| Antonyms | safety, security | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Hazard' confused with 'hazards' in plural form., 'Hazard' used incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun., Mixing up 'hazard' with 'risk' when describing dangers. | 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. |
| Usage notes | Use 'hazard' when discussing risks or dangers, especially in safety contexts. It's appropriate for formal writing and discussions but may feel too technical in casual conversation. | 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: Hazard vs I couldn't risk your safety
What's the difference between Hazard and I couldn't risk your safety?
Hazard: Something that can cause harm or danger. I couldn't risk your safety: I couldn't put you in danger.
Which is more common: Hazard and I couldn't risk your safety?
I couldn't risk your safety is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Hazard: The slippery floors are a serious hazard in the factory. I couldn't risk your safety: I couldn't risk your safety by letting you drive home alone.
Can I use Hazard and I couldn't risk your safety interchangeably?
Not always. Hazard and I couldn't risk your safety 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.