conserve

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "conserve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the concept of preserving or protecting something, such as a natural habitat or resources. For example: "The government plans to conserve the forest by setting up protected areas in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The 'war argument' is used to conserve the same way of doing things as in the past," said MP Victoria Voytitska, who worked in business for many years before standing for election to Ukraine's new parliament.

The Guardian

This means using greener materials and constantly inventing new ways to conserve precious resources".

The Guardian

The fans were furious but while at first it seemed a baffling decision and even Marcelo seemed to be bemused by it, it was an eloquent comment on how well Villarreal played; from chasing the match, Madrid recognised the need to conserve it.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead of funding so lavishly SNH's deeply flawed action plan to conserve feral tabby cats the Scottish government should be providing funds to Wildcat Haven to continue its efforts at saving the genuine article.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think in most countries, the authorities are aware of the importance of Amazon forest and recognise the importance of implementing efficient ways to conserve it, or use it in a sustainable way," Reymondin said.

The Guardian

"The state is mandating our water system to conserve water but why?... Getting one oil well fracked takes more water than the entire town can drink or use in a day".

The Guardian

By legally trapping and killing stoats and foxes to ensure plentiful supplies of grouse, he helped conserve endangered birds: woodcock, snipe, golden plover, lapwing, ring ouzel, and "buckets and buckets of curlew".

The Guardian

"That's a hell of a range of behaviours to conserve".

The Guardian

Standard Chartered has dipped 7p to £12.09 following a Financial Times report it had reined in expansion plans so it could conserve capital amid falling profits.

The Guardian - Business

Set against this package, Punjab's efforts to conserve its groundwater, mainly by telling farmers not to transplant paddy before the monsoon rains, are rather puny.State governments know that this is madness.

The Economist

Battling an inflation rate that is expected to reach 40% this year and seeking to conserve the country's reserves, Mr Fábrega had supported moves earlier this year to raise interest rates and devalue the peso.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental issues, pair "conserve" with specific resources like water, energy, or forests to strengthen your message and provide clear examples of what needs protection.

Common error

Avoid using "conserve" when the situation requires active restoration or renewal. "Conserve" implies maintaining the current state, not necessarily improving a degraded one.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conserve" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms the correct usage of the verb in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conserve" is a verb that advocates for careful resource management to prevent depletion. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. While synonyms like "preserve" and "protect" exist, "conserve" uniquely emphasizes efficient utilization. To effectively use "conserve", specify the resource you're protecting, and avoid it in situations that demand restoration rather than maintenance. This guide provides a thorough overview of "conserve", ensuring its accurate and impactful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserve

Focuses on maintaining something in its original state.

protect

Emphasizes shielding something from harm or damage.

safeguard

Implies taking measures to ensure something remains secure and intact.

economize

Highlights the efficient use of resources to avoid waste.

husband

Suggests managing resources carefully and thriftily.

maintain

Focuses on keeping something in good condition over time.

sustain

Implies supporting or upholding something over the long term.

ration

Emphasizes controlling the distribution of something to prevent scarcity.

steward

Highlights the responsible management of resources on behalf of others.

keep up

Emphasizes maintaining a certain level or standard.

FAQs

How is "conserve" typically used in a sentence?

The verb "conserve" is generally used to describe actions taken to protect or preserve resources, environments, or energy. For example, "We must "conserve water" during the drought" or "The park aims to "conserve wildlife" habitats".

What are some synonyms for "conserve"?

Alternatives to "conserve" include "preserve", "protect", "safeguard", and "maintain". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to imply the resource must be used carefully consider the alternative "economize".

Is it correct to use "conserve" when referring to abstract concepts?

While "conserve" is often used with tangible resources, it can also apply to abstract concepts like energy, capital, or traditions. For instance, one might say, "The company needs to "conserve capital" during the economic downturn".

How does "conserve" differ from "preserve"?

"Conserve" implies managing resources to prevent waste and ensure availability, while "preserve" suggests maintaining something in its original or existing state. "Conserving resources" might involve regulated use, while "preserving a historical site" means keeping it unchanged.