Preserve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Preserve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of maintaining or protecting something in its original state or condition. Example: "We must preserve our natural resources for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How do we preserve it?

BBC

And as for caring about the decency (BNP supporters aside) and potential of individual voters, or genuinely acting to preserve and encourage their humanity.

The Guardian

Caesar first brought the images to the National Holocaust Museum in Washington (where 10 images were recently exhibited in the Museum's Genocide Prevention Center), seeking to learn how best to preserve and archive the images and preserve them for future prosecution.

The Guardian

Agreed in 2000, the declaration states that, when framing laws, the EC "must take account of the social, educational and cultural functions inherent in sport" to preserve its unique role in modern communities.

The Guardian - Sport

The park where the mauling occurred allows lions to roam while tourists drive through the preserve.

The Guardian

Cameron has said British foreign policy has for too long ignored north Africa, leaving the region largely as the sole preserve of the French.

The Guardian

It's almost as if the goal was to preserve the legal fiction that was terra nullius – that the landmass of Australia was empty when the British arrived".

The Guardian

Without a policy to stop this – such as land value taxation, or a different model that fixes prices at permanently affordable levels, like community land trusts – shared ownership is going to become the preserve of richer households in more parts of London.

The Guardian

President Bashar is the only one to preserve Syria as a land of civilisation.

The Guardian

We take so much for granted... What if, despite previous disasters, they built a new biological preserve where you could see dinosaurs walk the earth … and what if people were already kind of over it?

The Guardian - Film

Requiring a score in excess of 400 to preserve their survival prospects they had mustered 103.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about long-term goals, use "Preserve" to emphasize the importance of maintaining essential qualities or resources for future generations.

Common error

Avoid using "Preserve" in very casual conversations. Simpler words like "keep" or "save" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Preserve" is as a verb, indicating an action to maintain or protect something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, such as preserving cultural heritage or natural resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "Preserve" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb, conveying the act of maintaining or protecting something from harm or decay. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in English, particularly within news media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. It's suitable for neutral to formal registers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and existence over time. While alternatives like "maintain", "conserve", and "protect" offer similar meanings, "Preserve" is best used when emphasizing long-term maintenance of essential qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Maintain

Focuses on keeping something in its current state, often implying ongoing effort.

Conserve

Emphasizes careful use and protection of resources.

Protect

Highlights shielding something from harm or damage.

Safeguard

Stresses providing security and defense.

Retain

Implies keeping possession of something.

Uphold

Suggests supporting and defending a principle or law.

Sustain

Focuses on supporting something to continue its existence.

Conserve resources

Specifically relates to the economical use of the resources.

Keep intact

Emphasizes maintaining the original condition without alteration.

Look after

Relates more to guarding and caring for someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "Preserve" in a sentence?

You can use "Preserve" to talk about protecting something from harm, saving it from decay, or maintaining it throughout a period. For example, "We must preserve our cultural heritage".

What are some alternatives to the word "Preserve"?

Alternatives to "Preserve" include "maintain", "conserve", "protect", and "safeguard", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "Preserve" or "Conserve"?

"Preserve" generally means to keep something in its original state or condition, while "Conserve" implies careful management and use of resources to prevent depletion. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "Preserve" instead of "Save"?

"Preserve" is typically used when referring to maintaining something of value over a longer period, often against potential decay or loss. "Save" is more general and can refer to rescuing something from immediate danger or putting something aside for later use.