At risk means in danger, under threat. It's said about people, things and plans that could be harmed: The storm put several old fishing boats at risk. What might happen comes after of with -ing: at risk of closing, at risk of being lost. Before a noun it takes a hyphen: at-risk areas.
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be at risk of + noun / -ing; put someone or something at risk
- Without a second copy, your research notes are at risk of being lost.
- The storm put several old fishing boats at risk.
- Volunteers checked on residents in at-risk areas before the river rose.
What changed
First versionThe small theatre is at risk to close this winter.
RevisionThe small theatre is at risk of closing this winter.
A risk to health and likely to close make to feel natural: at risk to close. But at risk is followed by of and -ing: at risk of closing. With to close changed to of closing, the sentence is correct.
At stake means what can be won or lost: The championship is at stake. At risk is only about danger: The players' health is at risk. Take a risk means to risk something yourself, while be at risk means to be the one in danger.
Your turn
The files may disappear: They are at risk of ___ lost.
Show the answer
being — After of you need the -ing form: at risk of being lost. Be without the ending can't follow a preposition.
Describe a local café, park or club that might have to close in one sentence with at risk of.
Our local cinema is at risk of closing because ticket sales have dropped.
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