as a precaution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as a precaution' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when one is taking measures to ensure that something bad or unwanted does not happen. For example, "We have decided to close the restaurant as a precaution due to the Covid-19 situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They are cut down as a precaution.

The New York Times

"They're being checked out as a precaution".

The New York Times

It was inspected as a precaution.

The New York Times

As a precaution nearby buildings were evacuated.

The Guardian

A second cleaning has been scheduled as a precaution.

The New York Times - Sports

Its sewage treatment facilities were evacuated as a precaution.

The New York Times

So as a precaution they are staying home".

The New York Times

A local elementary school was locked down as a precaution.

The New York Times

But they shut him down as a precaution.

The New York Times - Sports

A local school was placed on lockdown as a precaution.

The New York Times

He was taken to a local hospital, as a precaution.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a precaution", ensure the action being described aligns logically with the potential risk you are trying to mitigate. If there is no link, your audience may be confused.

Common error

Avoid using "as a precaution" to retroactively justify actions that were not originally intended as preventative measures. Ensure the intention was preventative at the time of the action.

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 AI confirms its correct usage, presenting examples where it explains why something is done to avoid potential negative consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Sports

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a precaution" is a versatile phrase used to justify actions taken to avoid potential negative outcomes. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts, and this analysis highlights its prevalence in news and media, and sports reporting. To effectively employ this phrase, clearly link the action to the risk it aims to mitigate, and ensure it aligns with preventative intent at the time of the action. Understanding these nuances will enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to err on the side of caution

This alternative implies choosing a safe course of action to avoid potential risks.

as a safety measure

This alternative focuses on the action being taken specifically to ensure safety.

to be on the safe side

This alternative suggests taking actions that minimize risks, even if they seem unnecessary.

as a preventive measure

This alternative emphasizes the aim to prevent something undesirable from happening.

as insurance

This alternative uses a metaphor to suggest actions are taken to protect against future problems.

for good measure

This alternative suggests adding an extra action to ensure success or safety.

to guard against

This alternative highlights protection against a specific threat or possibility.

in anticipation of

This alternative focuses on acting before something might happen.

with foresight

This alternative emphasizes acting with an understanding of potential future events.

in preparation for

This alternative focuses on getting ready for a potential event or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a precaution" to explain why a specific action is being taken to prevent something potentially negative from happening. For example, "The event was cancelled "as a precaution" due to the approaching storm".

What are some alternatives to using "as a precaution"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "to err on the side of caution", "as a safety measure", or "to be on the safe side", which all convey the idea of taking preventative steps.

When is it appropriate to use "as a precaution"?

It is appropriate to use "as a precaution" when describing an action taken to minimize or avoid a potential risk, even if the likelihood of the risk occurring is uncertain. The phrase should clearly connect the action to the potential negative outcome it aims to prevent.

Is there a difference between "as a precaution" and "preventatively"?

Yes, "as a precaution" describes the action taken, while "preventatively" describes the manner in which an action is performed. For example, you might say, "The building was evacuated "as a precaution"", meaning the evacuation was the precautionary measure. Alternatively, you could say, "The system was checked "preventatively"", meaning the checking was done in a preventative manner.