a cautionary measure

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cautionary measure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about taking a precaution to ensure safety against possible harm. For example, "As a cautionary measure, the authorities urged all citizens to wear masks when in crowded places."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Zhang et al. [26]waited 5 min before taking absorbance measurements; we waited 30 min just as a cautionary measure to ensure stability of the absorbance.

Geochemical Transactions

The meat was recalled "as a cautionary measure," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman.

The New York Times

As a cautionary measure, electricity and other public services were suspended after several utility poles were knocked down.

The Guardian

El Al said it took down its site as a cautionary measure as soon as unusual activity was noticed about 10 a.m.

The New York Times

"This action is being taken as a cautionary measure to ensure the protection of public health," Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman said.

The New York Times

The carpet is laid, the lamps are lit and the sharpshooters have taken up their positions on the rooftops overlooking the Kodak theatre (presumably just a cautionary measure, in case Mickey Rourke gets too lary).

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

None of the seven people are believed to be at risk of contracting anthrax, Mr. Bloomberg said, adding that antibiotics were an appropriate cautionary measure.

The New York Times

We thus argue that our approach should be applied as cautionary measure in cases where the a priori evidence for anthropogenic introduction is poor or nonexistent before attributing the status of invasiveness with the above-mentioned consequences for biodiversity management and applied research.

Evolutionary Applications

While food sensitivities are a concern for travelers, a potentially fatal food allergy obviously requires greater cautionary measures.

The New York Times - Travel

A police statement read: "Raffaele Sollecito... was notified of the cautionary measures of the travel ban and the confiscation of his passport".

Independent

A police statement read: "Raffaele Sollecito... was notified of the cautionary measures of the travel ban and the confiscation of his passport". He was taken voluntarily to a police station in Udine.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cautionary measure", ensure the context clearly indicates a potential risk or undesirable outcome that the measure aims to mitigate. Providing context helps clarify why the precaution is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "a cautionary measure" when the situation doesn't warrant a genuine precaution. Using it for trivial matters can dilute its impact and make your writing seem overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cautionary measure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an action or step taken as a precaution against potential risks or undesirable outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates precaution to ensure safety.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cautionary measure" is a noun phrase used to describe a precautionary action taken to mitigate potential risks. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered correct and acceptable in written English. It's most commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, reflecting its neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the potential risk being addressed. Alternatives include "a precautionary step" or "a safety precaution", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precautionary step

Similar to "a cautionary measure", but emphasizes the act of taking a step.

a safety precaution

Directly highlights the safety aspect of the action.

a preventive step

Focuses on preventing something from happening, rather than just being cautious.

a protective action

Emphasizes the act of protecting against potential harm.

an ounce of prevention

Emphasizes that preventing something is better than curing it

a safeguard

Implies establishing a protective barrier or mechanism.

better safe than sorry

An idiomatic expression suggesting it's wise to be cautious to avoid future regret.

a defensive strategy

Suggests a planned approach to protect against threats.

a proactive approach

Highlights taking initiative to prevent problems.

a risk mitigation strategy

Focuses specifically on reducing potential risks.

FAQs

How can I use "a cautionary measure" in a sentence?

You can use "a cautionary measure" to describe an action taken to prevent possible danger or harm. For example, "The company implemented new safety protocols as "a cautionary measure" after the recent accident".

What's the difference between "a cautionary measure" and "a preventive measure"?

"A cautionary measure" implies taking action due to potential risks, while "a preventive measure" focuses on actively stopping something from happening. While similar, the former highlights being cautious and the latter, active prevention.

Are there synonyms for "a cautionary measure" that I can use?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a precautionary step", "a safety precaution", or "a protective action" as alternatives, depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a cautionary measure" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when discussing risk management, safety protocols, or any situation where proactive steps are being taken to minimize potential harm. It adds a layer of seriousness and preparedness to the discussion.