as an extra precaution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an extra precaution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that an additional measure is being taken to ensure safety or prevent a problem. Example: "We decided to back up our files as an extra precaution before the system update."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

They prompt a user periodically for a third password as an extra precaution.

The New York Times - Tech

As an extra precaution, always pay by credit card, and consider buying trip-cancellation insurance.

The New York Times - Travel

As an extra precaution, Ms. Brunner required all counties to provide paper ballots to anyone who wanted to use them.

The New York Times

(As an extra precaution, the names used to identify the men in this article are different from these nicknames).

The New Yorker

As an extra precaution I'm looking for hatches to batten down but am having some problems because I don't know what either word means.

The New Yorker

The Opera House Hotel said as an extra precaution, it will test its cooling tower every 30 days when the tower is in operation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

As the trains went through yesterday morning, people would get up from their seats and put their faces to the windows to see the station, whose deserted downtown platform is lined from end to end with wooden columns as thick as trees, an extra precaution because of the debris on the street above.

The New York Times

As an extra safety precaution, when carrying the laden box, support the bottom with your hands – you don't want the cat falling through the box!

WikiHow

As extra precaution, a rescue plan has been created describing all steps that need to be performed in case of respiratory depression, hypotension, and bradycardia.

BMC Gastroenterology

The resulting files were transferred to the GNM Archive's digital repository and it is these versions that are now accessible to researchers, although the original tapes have been retained in the archive storerooms as an extra layer of precaution.

The Guardian

Another challenge is that the commission's inspectors have not been trained to evaluate the condition of a variety of hardware or review procedures that were adopted as extra precautions after the Sept. 11 attacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an extra precaution" to clearly signal an additional measure is being taken to minimize risk or enhance safety beyond what is normally expected. This improves clarity and reinforces the importance of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "as an extra precaution" excessively within a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using alternative expressions such as "to ensure safety" or "as an added measure" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an extra precaution" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate the purpose or reason for an action, specifying that the action is taken as an additional safety measure. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as an extra precaution" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that an action is taken as an additional safeguard to minimize risk or enhance safety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered correct in written English and has a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, remember that while it enhances clarity, overuse can lead to redundancy. Vary your writing with alternatives like "as an additional measure" or "to ensure greater security" for impactful and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a supplementary safeguard

Replaces "precaution" with "safeguard" and "extra" with "supplementary" maintaining a similar level of formality.

as an added safety measure

Substitutes "precaution" with the more explicit term "safety measure" with a slightly more direct tone.

to provide additional security

Focuses specifically on the aspect of "security", suggesting the action aims to enhance protection.

as a further preventative step

Highlights the preventative nature of the action, emphasizing its role in avoiding potential problems.

for increased protection

Emphasizes the enhancement of protective measures, suitable when highlighting improved safety.

as a proactive measure

Highlights the forward-thinking aspect of the action, positioning it as anticipating and preventing issues.

to err on the side of caution

Implies a deliberate choice to be overly cautious, especially in situations where risks are uncertain.

just to be on the safe side

Conveys a more informal tone, indicating the action is taken to eliminate any potential risk.

as an insurance policy

Metaphorically compares the precaution to an insurance policy, emphasizing protection against potential negative outcomes.

for good measure

Suggests something is being added to what is already sufficient to ensure completeness or success, often in an informal context.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as an extra precaution"?

You can use alternatives like "as an additional measure", "as a further safeguard", or "to ensure greater security" to vary your language.

When is it appropriate to use "as an extra precaution" in writing?

It is suitable when you want to emphasize that an action is being taken above and beyond what is typically necessary to ensure safety or prevent problems. This is especially useful in contexts where the potential consequences of failure are significant.

Is "as an extra precaution" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, more sophisticated alternatives such as "as a supplementary safeguard" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "as a precaution" and "as an extra precaution"?

"As a precaution" implies a standard preventative measure, while "as an extra precaution" indicates an additional measure is being taken beyond the norm, suggesting a heightened concern for safety or risk mitigation.