When learning a new language, one of the first steps is to categorize specific word patterns that remain consistent in their meaning. By categorizing those patterns you can quickly build vocabulary and understand better how the language is spoken.

Likewise, categorizing risk provides a specific way to reference information so that everyone can understand. It is the key starting point for learning the language of risk. It also provides a structured approach for identifying risk. As with languages, categories of risk can be quite different from one another. Different categories usually employ somewhat different techniques for measurement and management.