better to forestall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better to forestall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that it is preferable to take action in advance to prevent something undesirable from happening. Example: "In this situation, it is better to forestall any potential issues by addressing them early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A major goal of the council in ending its secrecy is to demonstrate that self-regulation works -- the better to forestall intervention by outside regulators like the Federal Trade Commission.

The New York Times

The young emperor again showed his resoluteness by deciding in favour of trying to deprive Wu of his army, arguing that the three kings were sure to eventually rebel against Beijing and that it would be better to forestall them by taking advantage of this opportunity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prop open their doors, the better to forestall mold and mildew (which like to grow in the dark) and their odors, which may transfer to the refrigerator's plastic parts.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Earlier diagnosis and better early treatment to forestall both microvascular and CV complications deserve consideration, but this is beyond the scope of this review.

Diabetes Care

She lets him in, they have their token drink, then things get rated X". "How can I see the video?" Stanley asked and just as soon realized he'd better amend the question to forestall the laughter of the marines watching through the two-way mirror.

Huffington Post

What's less obvious is how the TARP funds can best be used to forestall foreclosures.

Forbes

It is important to understand the attitudes of patients with schizophrenia toward drug therapy in order to predict better compliance and provide psychoeducation designed to forestall relapses.

Psychiatry Research

Gordon is working hard to understand these partnerships to better forestall their untimely end.

The Guardian

Wall Street financiers, trying to forestall further regulation of their industry--or, better still, to dial it back--are generously assisting candidates in both parties who promise governmental kindliness toward the banks.

Huffington Post

The better outcomes in our SICU PAC patients (even better than the SUPPORT non-PAC patients) could result from an intrinsically better prognosis due to lower acuities or from the proactive use of PAGs to forestall the onset of organ failures.

Critical Care

Just to forestall the usual (or to try, anyway): no, we don't know that Hillary would have been any better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better to forestall", ensure that the context clearly indicates what negative outcome you are trying to prevent. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "better to forestall" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "better to prevent" or "easier to avoid" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better to forestall" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or aim behind an action. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is used to express that proactively preventing something is more desirable than reacting to it after it occurs.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "better to forestall" is a grammatically correct phrase used to advocate for proactive prevention of undesirable outcomes. Ludwig AI identifies its usage as relatively rare, primarily appearing in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. When writing, using the phrase, ensure the context is clear, and be mindful of its somewhat formal tone, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings. The phrase serves to emphasize the wisdom of preemptive action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is best to forestall

Adds an introductory phrase for emphasis and a slightly different sentence structure.

it would be better to forestall

Adds a conditional "would be" to soften the tone and introduce a degree of speculation.

preferable to prevent

Replaces "better" with "preferable", emphasizing preference in prevention.

wiser to avert

Substitutes "better" with "wiser" and "forestall" with "avert", indicating a more cautious approach.

more prudent to preclude

Replaces "better" with "more prudent" and "forestall" with "preclude", suggesting careful foresight.

advantageous to preempt

Replaces "better" with "advantageous" and "forestall" with "preempt", highlighting the benefit of acting first.

best to anticipate and counter

Breaks down "forestall" into "anticipate and counter", providing a more detailed action.

advisable to circumvent

Replaces "better" with "advisable" and "forestall" with "circumvent", focusing on avoiding a problem.

sensible to deter

Replaces "better" with "sensible" and "forestall" with "deter", emphasizing discouragement of an event.

more judicious to obviate

Replaces "better" with "more judicious" and "forestall" with "obviate", suggesting wise avoidance.

FAQs

How can I use "better to forestall" in a sentence?

Use "better to forestall" to suggest that taking proactive measures is preferable to dealing with the consequences later. For example, "It's "better to forestall" any potential issues by addressing them early."

What are some alternatives to "better to forestall"?

Some alternatives include "preferable to prevent", "wiser to avert", or "more prudent to preclude", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "better to forestall" formal or informal?

"Better to forestall" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "easier to avoid" might be more appropriate.

What does "forestall" mean?

"Forestall" means to prevent something from happening by taking action ahead of time. Thus, ""better to forestall"" suggests that proactive prevention is the better option.