a safeguard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a safeguard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a measure or device designed to protect something or ensure safety. Example: "The new policy serves as a safeguard against data breaches and unauthorized access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Journalism is a safeguard for true democracy.

The New York Times

So that isn't enough of a safeguard.

The Guardian

That's a safeguard Aristotle didn't anticipate.

The Guardian - Opinion

This means there's a safeguard against error.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's a safeguard in name only.

The Guardian

That does not amount to a safeguard.

The Guardian

Science is hardly a safeguard against gullibility, he added.

The New Yorker

It's a safeguard for the creep of subjectivity.

The New Yorker

And also a safeguard against financial crisis in the future.

Cornell University

And even written promises are not a safeguard.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a safeguard, nothing to get hurt about.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a safeguard", ensure the context clearly defines what is being protected and from what. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a safeguard" as a guaranteed solution. Instead, acknowledge its role in mitigating risks rather than eliminating them entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a safeguard" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows it's used to describe something that provides protection or security, aligning with its definition as a protective measure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a safeguard" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies a protective measure or mechanism. Ludwig confirms its usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify what is being protected and from what. When writing, avoid overstating its effectiveness, acknowledging its role in mitigating risks rather than guaranteeing outcomes. The phrase finds frequent use in news and media, scientific research, and academic discussions, demonstrating its broad applicability and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a safety precaution

Focuses on avoiding danger or harm.

a protective measure

Focuses on the action taken to protect, rather than the instrument itself.

a security provision

Highlights the aspect of ensuring security in a more formal or legal context.

a preventative step

Emphasizes the action of preventing something negative from happening.

a defensive strategy

Implies a planned approach to protect against potential threats.

a fail-safe system

Indicates a backup system to prevent failure.

a shielding mechanism

Suggests a more technical or physical means of protection.

an insurance policy

Frames the safeguard as a way to mitigate risk or loss.

a buffer

Implies something that lessens or absorbs impact.

a hedge

Suggests a way of protecting oneself from financial loss or other adverse circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "a safeguard" in a sentence?

You can use "a safeguard" to describe measures taken to protect something. For example, "The new regulations act as "a safeguard" against financial instability."

What are some alternatives to "a safeguard"?

Alternatives to "a safeguard" include "a protective measure", "a security provision", or "a safety precaution", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "safeguard" instead of "a safeguard"?

While "safeguard" can be used as a verb, when referring to a specific protective measure, it's more common and grammatically appropriate to use "a safeguard" as a noun phrase.

What's the difference between "a safeguard" and "a guarantee"?

"A safeguard" is a measure taken to reduce risk or prevent something undesirable, while "a guarantee" is a promise that something will happen or is of a certain quality. "A safeguard" provides protection, while "a guarantee" offers assurance.