Hazard vs We'll have to risk it

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Hazard

Top 3,000 (common)C1noun

We'll have to risk it

Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Hazard
 HazardWe'll have to risk it
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈhæzəd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhæzərd/"]/🇬🇧 //wiːl hæv tə rɪsk ɪt//🇺🇸 //wil hæv tə rɪsk ɪt//
MeaningSomething that can cause harm or danger.We may need to take a chance.
ExampleThe slippery floors are a serious hazard in the factory.We'll have to risk it if we want to catch the train on time.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsbig, great, major, cause, create, pose, hazard for, hazard to, exposure to a hazardhave to risk it, risk it all, risk it for the team, risk it in business, risk it for love
Antonymssafety, 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.Confused with 'take the risk' - it's more about willingness than an action., Using in formal contexts - better for casual conversation.
Usage notesUse '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.Used when deciding to take a chance in uncertain situations. More common in conversational contexts.

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We'll have to risk it

Frequently asked questions: Hazard vs We'll have to risk it

What's the difference between Hazard and We'll have to risk it?

Hazard: Something that can cause harm or danger. We'll have to risk it: We may need to take a chance.

Which is more common: Hazard and We'll have to risk it?

Hazard 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. We'll have to risk it: We'll have to risk it if we want to catch the train on time.

Can I use Hazard and We'll have to risk it interchangeably?

Not always. Hazard and We'll have to risk it 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.

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