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Grammar fix

take a risk

do something dangerous or uncertain

to do something that might have a bad result, even though you hope for a good outcome.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She decided to take a risk and start her own business.daily life
  • In my opinion, it's important to take a risk sometimes, because it can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: take a risk (by/on/with [something/doing something])

WrongYou should make a risk and apply.

RightYou should take a risk and apply.

We TAKE a risk, never 'make a risk'.

Patterntake a risk (by/on/with [something/doing something])

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff One must occasionally undertake a degree of calculated risk.

Natural Sometimes you've got to take a risk.

'Take a risk' is the standard collocation; 'undertake a degree of calculated risk' is corporate.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • take a risk + detail
    a big riska chancethe risk of...by doing it

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'play it safe,' which means to avoid risk.

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