As a precaution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As a precaution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a measure taken to prevent potential problems or dangers. Example: "As a precaution, we decided to double-check all the safety equipment before the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As a precaution nearby buildings were evacuated.

The Guardian

As a precaution the BPD has evacuated our Emergency Dept.

The New York Times

As a precaution, its old town centre has been evacuated.

Independent

As a precaution, the lemon containers will be incinerated.

The New York Times

As a precaution the building is being evacuated.

The Guardian - Arts

As a precaution, they moved their car to higher ground.

The Guardian

"As a precaution, we're suspending flights of the A380".

The Guardian - Business

As a precaution, Fatheree brought along another deputy, Jason Beam.

The New Yorker

As a precaution, we have a gun-wielding escort, Mizan.

The Guardian - Travel

As a precaution, this makes a lot of sense".

The New York Times

As a precaution, we ended all logged in sessions.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a precaution" to clearly signal that an action is being taken to prevent potential negative outcomes, ensuring your audience understands the reasoning behind the measure.

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive voice when explaining why something was done "as a precaution". Instead of saying "The building was evacuated as a precaution", opt for a more active structure like "We evacuated the building as a precaution" to add clarity and directness to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a precaution" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action. Ludwig confirms that this phrase introduces an action taken to prevent a potential problem or danger. For example, "As a precaution, the building is being evacuated."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a precaution" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to justify an action taken to prevent potential problems or dangers. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily used in news and media contexts to explain safety measures. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, more formal or technical writing may require more precise alternatives. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is well-established and readily understood in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a preventive measure

Focuses more directly on the act of prevention, highlighting the action's purpose.

as a safety measure

Highlights the action's role in ensuring safety, making it more explicit.

as a protective step

Highlights the protective nature of the action being taken.

to err on the side of caution

Implies a deliberate choice to be extra careful, possibly exceeding necessary measures.

to mitigate risk

More formal, emphasizing the reduction of potential risks.

to be on the safe side

A more informal way of expressing the desire to avoid any potential risks.

for safety's sake

Emphasizes the importance of safety as the primary reason for the action.

out of prudence

Highlights carefulness and good judgment as the reason for the action.

in anticipation of

Focuses on expecting a possible event or problem, prompting action.

to forestall any issues

Focuses on preventing issues from arising in the first place.

FAQs

How can I use "as a precaution" in a sentence?

You can use "as a precaution" to introduce an action taken to prevent something potentially harmful or undesirable from happening. For example, "As a precaution, nearby buildings were evacuated."

What are some alternatives to "as a precaution"?

Alternatives include "to be on the safe side", "as a preventive measure", or "to err on the side of caution" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "as a precaution" and "for safety's sake"?

"As a precaution" generally implies a specific action taken to prevent a potential problem. "For safety's sake" is a broader statement emphasizing that safety is the primary concern, and any subsequent actions are driven by this concern.

When is it appropriate to use "as a precaution" in professional writing?

It's appropriate to use "as a precaution" when explaining measures taken in a business or formal setting to mitigate potential risks, ensuring colleagues or stakeholders understand the reasoning behind the action. For instance, "As a precaution, we've implemented additional security protocols to protect sensitive data."