as a precautionary step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a precautionary step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action taken to prevent potential problems or risks. Example: "We decided to cancel the outdoor event as a precautionary step due to the severe weather forecast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Egghead.com asked the F.B.I. to investigate and said it had notified credit-card companies as a precautionary step.

The New York Times

Egghead.com asked the F.B.I. to investigate and said it notified credit card companies as a precautionary step.

The New York Times

In what they described as a precautionary step, Northern Alliance officials ordered an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew and banned the carrying of firearms in the capital.

The New York Times

"The decision has been taken as a precautionary step after inspections carried out earlier this week showed a fault in the bridge steelwork.

Independent

The ferry skipper had initially ordered everyone on board to abandon ship as a precautionary step, said Jess Supan, vice-president of Aboitiz Transport System, which owns the steel-hulled ferry.

The Guardian

Four days later, Blacksmith Brands, which markets PediaCare children's medicines, announced its own voluntary recall "as a precautionary step" -- because certain of its cough and cold products had been made at the same McNeil plant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"As a result, we believe it is appropriate to take a precautionary step to withdraw from the market all of our Cadbury chocolate products that have been manufactured in Beijing".

The New York Times

In what they called a precautionary step, alliance officials imposed an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew.

The New York Times

It was a precautionary step "to ensure stocks continue to be available to everyone wanting baby milk", he added.

Independent

"We anticipate that we currently have adequate days' supply to meet existing customer orders and are taking this step as a precautionary measure," Katie Hepler, a Chrysler spokeswoman, said.

The New York Times

The company said it was taking the step as a precautionary measure to study its "reservoir management plans" in Brazil, where it has spent over $2 billion developing the largest foreign-run oil field.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a precautionary step", ensure the context clearly indicates the potential risk or problem you are trying to prevent. This provides clarity and emphasizes the importance of the action taken.

Common error

Avoid using "as a precautionary step" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your text sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms such as "as a preventive measure" or "to err on the side of caution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a precautionary step" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the reason or purpose behind an action. It explains why something is being done, emphasizing the intention to avoid potential problems or risks, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a precautionary step" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates an action taken to prevent potential problems or risks. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, explaining the rationale behind an action and emphasizing the intention to avoid negative consequences. While commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse settings. To enhance your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the potential risk and avoid overuse by exploring synonyms such as "as a preventive measure" or "to err on the side of caution".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a preventive measure

Emphasizes preventing something from happening, focusing on proactive prevention.

as a safety precaution

Highlights the safety aspect, emphasizing the protection from harm or danger.

to err on the side of caution

Implies a deliberate choice to be overly cautious, avoiding any potential risk.

as a proactive measure

Focuses on taking initiative to avoid future issues, highlighting the forward-thinking nature.

as a safeguard

Stresses the protection provided against possible dangers or problems.

to be on the safe side

Indicates a decision made to minimize risk, ensuring a secure outcome.

as an extra precaution

Suggests an additional measure taken beyond the necessary ones, adding a layer of security.

as a risk mitigation strategy

Highlights the strategic aspect of reducing potential risks, emphasizing a planned approach.

to avoid any potential issues

States the intent to prevent problems, focusing on avoiding negative outcomes.

as a prudent step

Emphasizes the wisdom and carefulness in taking the action, highlighting its thoughtful nature.

FAQs

How can I use "as a precautionary step" in a sentence?

You can use "as a precautionary step" to describe an action taken to prevent potential problems. For example: "The company decided to recall the product "as a precautionary step" after reports of minor defects".

What phrases are similar to "as a precautionary step"?

Similar phrases include "as a preventive measure", "as a safety precaution", and "to err on the side of caution". These alternatives convey the idea of taking action to avoid potential risks.

Is it always necessary to explain why a precautionary step is being taken?

While not always mandatory, explaining the rationale behind a precautionary step can provide context and highlight the importance of the action. This can enhance understanding and build trust.

What's the difference between "as a precautionary step" and "as a necessary step"?

"As a precautionary step" implies preventing a potential issue, while "as a necessary step" suggests an action that's essential for a particular outcome. The former focuses on prevention, and the latter on requirement.