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There is a risk/fear that
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-plain / N + の + おそれがある" is used to express the possibility of something undesirable or dangerous happening. It is commonly used in news reports and formal warnings to convey a sense of risk or fear. This pattern is particularly useful for describing potential consequences or hazards associated with a particular situation or action. For example, it can be used to warn people about the dangers of a natural disaster or the risks associated with a certain behavior. The pattern is often used in formal or official contexts, such as news articles, government announcements, or safety guidelines. It is essential to use this pattern correctly to convey the intended meaning and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-plain (plain form of a verb) | V-plain + の + おそれ + がある | 雨が降り続く |
| Noun | N + の + おそれ + がある | 洪水 |
| V-plain (plain form of a verb) + Noun | V-plain + N + の + おそれ + がある | 雨が降り続くと洪水になる |
Examples
このまま雨が降り続くと、洪水になるおそれがある。
Kono mama ame ga furitsutsu to, kōzui ni naru osore ga aru.
There is a risk of a flood occurring if the rain continues.
このまま (if it continues like this), 雨が降り続くと (and the rain continues), 洪水になる (there is a risk of a flood occurring), おそれがある (there is a risk or fear)
この病気は、放置しておくと悪化するおそれがある。
Kono byōki wa, hōchi shite okutte, akubeshi suru osore ga aru.
There is a risk that the disease will worsen if it is left untreated.
この病気 (this disease), は (is), 放置しておくと (if it is left untreated), 悪化する (will worsen), おそれがある (there is a risk or fear)
噴火のおそれがあるため、付近の住民に避難勧告が出された。
Funka no osore ga aru tame ni, fukin no jūmin ni hihan kan kōdai ga deta.
Due to the risk of an eruption, an evacuation advisory was issued to residents in the surrounding area.
噴火の (of an eruption), おそれがある (there is a risk or fear), ため (therefore), 付近の住民 (residents in the surrounding area), に (to), 避難勧告 (evacuation advisory), が (was), 出された (issued)
Context
This pattern is typically used in formal or official contexts to convey a sense of risk or fear. It is often used in news reports, government announcements, or safety guidelines. The pattern can be used to describe potential consequences or hazards associated with a particular situation or action. It is essential to use this pattern correctly to convey the intended meaning and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Watch out
This pattern is specifically used to express the possibility of something undesirable or dangerous happening. Using it for positive possibilities can lead to misunderstandings.
～かねない focuses on a person's behavior causing danger, whereas "V-plain / N + の + おそれがある" expresses the possibility of something undesirable or dangerous happening.
Using 'だ' with Nouns can change the meaning of the sentence and make it incorrect.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct form of the verb and the correct particle. Also, pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. This pattern is often used in formal or official contexts, so be aware of the tone and the language used.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-plain / N + の + おそれがある used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
このまま雨が降り続くと、洪水になるおそれがある。
Pattern used: おそれがある
～おそれがある is used for formal warnings about natural disasters or risks.
この病気は、放置しておくと悪化するおそれがあります。
Pattern used: おそれがあります
～おそれがある is the standard formal expression for medical risks.
噴火のおそれがあるため、付近の住民に避難勧告が出された。
Pattern used: おそれ
N + の + おそれ is the correct formation for nouns.
Interactive
このまま雨が降り続くと、洪水になる______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.