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Prepositions with nouns

How to use “risk” with prepositions

At risk is the standard expression for being in danger. Of risk is not a normal English pattern, although risk of is very common.

Quick answer

Which is correct: “at risk” or “of risk”?

At risk means in danger: “Children are at risk.” Of risk is not standard by itself. Use risk of when naming a possible danger or negative result.

Older buildings are at risk during earthquakes.
There is a high risk of flooding this winter.
Drivers were at risk of injury on the icy road.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
at risk

Saying someone or something is in danger

Use at risk for exposure to harm or danger.

Many animals are at risk because of habitat loss.
2
risk of + noun/-ing

Naming a possible danger or consequence

Use risk of before a danger, illness, or unwanted result.

There is a risk of infection after surgery.
3
at risk of + noun/-ing

Combining danger with a specific outcome

Use at risk of to name the threatened result.

The company is at risk of bankruptcy.
4
take a risk with + noun

Describing a risky choice

Use with for the thing involved in the risk.

I would not take a risk with my savings.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
at risk
The village is at risk during storms.
in danger
of risk
The phrase “of risk” is not a standard standalone pattern.
generally avoided in modern English
risk of
Smoking increases the risk of cancer.
possibility of harm or loss
at risk of
He is at risk of losing his job.
in danger of a specific outcome

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of risk” instead of “at risk”

English uses at risk to describe danger.

✕ The children are of risk. ✓ The children are at risk.

Leaving out “of” after “risk”

Risk is usually followed by of before a noun or -ing form.

✕ There is a risk flooding. ✓ There is a risk of flooding.

Confusing “at risk” and “risk of”

At risk describes the subject in danger. Risk of names the danger itself.

✕ The risk of were evacuated. ✓ The residents at risk were evacuated.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Patients with weak immune systems are ___ risk.
2. There is a risk ___ delays because of the weather.
3. The factory is at risk ___ closing.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “of risk” ever correct?

Not as a normal standalone expression. English usually uses risk of or at risk.

What does “at risk” mean?

It means exposed to danger or likely to suffer harm.

Can I say “at risk of” with a verb?

Yes. Use an -ing form, such as “at risk of losing money.”

"across border" or "of border"? as, in, of, to or for part? at, from, of, to or for home? at, of, after, on or for launch? At, of, in, from or with bay? at, of, in, to, from, airport at, of, to, above or by sea? at, of, to, for or in conference? at, of, to, in or for university? at, of, without, for or on fault? "at rest" or "of rest"?

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