as a preventative measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a preventative measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions taken to prevent a problem or issue from occurring. Example: "The company implemented new safety protocols as a preventative measure to reduce workplace accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Angelina Jolie candidly revealed her choice to undergo a bilateral mastectomy over a year ago as a preventative measure for breast cancer.

Huffington Post

Even using a laptop cushion, advised as a preventative measure against toasted skin syndrome, didn't prevent the scrota in question from reaching the danger zone.

TechCrunch

Some are having the device removed as a preventative measure.

The New York Times

"I would discourage the use of Tamiflu as a preventative measure," Dr. Kahn said.

The New York Times

While testing has its place, it doesn't quite hold up as a preventative measure, however.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, fearing Stax would break the agreement, CBS sued Stax in 1974 as a preventative measure.

The Guardian - Music

He called for their removal as a preventative measure, stressing it was "not urgent".

The Guardian

Are there any medications he can take as a preventative measure?

The New York Times

In other words, they have done this as a preventative measure.

Independent

The great sportsman has been having impotence treatment, he "bravely revealed", but only as a preventative measure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jolie underwent a double mastectomy as a preventative measure to cut her risk of developing breast cancer in the future.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a preventative measure", clearly state the problem you are trying to prevent. This adds clarity and strengthens the rationale for the action taken.

Common error

While "as a preventative measure" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "just in case" or "to be safe" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a preventative measure" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action. It describes that the action is taken to prevent something undesirable from happening. This is supported by Ludwig, which presents numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a preventative measure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that explains the rationale behind taking action to avoid a potential problem. According to Ludwig, it enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While correct, Ludwig also hints that the phrase can sound overly formal in casual settings. Therefore, understanding its context and adjusting the phrasing accordingly is crucial. When a simpler alternative is needed, consider using "as a precautionary measure" or "just in case". Ultimately, using "as a preventative measure" effectively involves clearly stating the problem you're trying to prevent, ensuring that the phrase adds clarity and purpose to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a precautionary measure

Emphasizes caution and prudence in avoiding potential risks.

as a protective step

Highlights the act of shielding or defending against possible harm.

as a safety precaution

Focuses on ensuring safety and minimizing potential hazards.

as an anticipatory action

Stresses the forward-looking nature of the action, taken in anticipation of potential problems.

to forestall potential issues

Highlights the goal of preventing problems before they arise.

to head off potential problems

Emphasizes the proactive nature of addressing potential issues early.

as a proactive strategy

Highlights a strategic approach to prevent future issues.

to mitigate potential risks

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of possible risks.

as an early intervention

Emphasizes the timing of the action, taken early to prevent escalation.

to avert future problems

Highlights the goal of completely preventing future issues from occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "as a preventative measure" in a sentence?

You can use "as a preventative measure" to explain why an action is being taken to avoid a potential problem. For example, "The company implemented new safety protocols "as a preventative measure" to reduce workplace accidents."

What are some alternatives to saying "as a preventative measure"?

You can use alternatives like "as a precautionary measure", "as a protective step", or "to mitigate potential risks" depending on the context.

Is "preventative" or "preventive" correct?

Both "preventative" and "preventive" are acceptable adjectives related to prevention, but "preventive" is more commonly used. Therefore, both "as a preventative measure" and "as a preventive measure" are correct, though the latter is more common.

What's the difference between "as a preventative measure" and "as a precautionary measure"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "as a preventative measure" often implies a more specific action aimed at preventing a particular outcome, while "as a precautionary measure" suggests a more general approach to minimize potential risks.