extra precaution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extra precaution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the need for additional safety measures or carefulness in a particular situation. Example: "To ensure everyone's safety during the event, we are taking extra precaution by hiring additional security personnel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

took the extra precaution.

The New York Times

Extra precaution should be taken to keep any firearm out of a child's hand.

The New York Times

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

He said that he felt good enough to play against Carolina last Sunday but that extra precaution was taken.

The New York Times - Sports

I take extra precaution with everything I do in life … but I've understood I could face risk at any time".

Independent

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

Scientists in Kabul had taken the extra precaution of hiding the national seeds in the basements of two houses in the towns of Ghazni and Jalalabad.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "extra precaution" with a specific action verb to make the additional measure clear (e.g. "take extra precaution", "exercise extra precaution").

Common error

Avoid using "extra precaution" in situations where basic safety measures are already implied. This can make your writing sound redundant. Instead, reserve it for truly exceptional cases of heightened concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extra precaution" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a verb (e.g. "take", "exercise"). It often describes the action of implementing additional safeguards or measures. Ludwig shows its usage is widely distributed across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extra precaution" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize taking additional measures for safety or prevention. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the level of risk involved to avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives such as "heightened vigilance" or ""additional safety measures"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

additional safety measures

Directly indicates extra steps for safety.

further preventative action

Emphasizes acting to prevent something with supplementary actions.

added layer of safety

Highlights the addition of another safeguard.

reinforced protection

Focuses on strengthening existing protective measures.

heightened vigilance

Emphasizes increased attentiveness and watchfulness.

supplementary safeguard

Implies an additional protective measure.

enhanced security measures

Focuses on improving security protocols.

increased attentiveness

Highlights a boost in mental focus for hazard prevention.

stepped-up security

Implies an increase and improvement in security.

greater circumspection

Suggests a higher degree of carefulness and prudence.

FAQs

How to use "extra precaution" in a sentence?

You can use "extra precaution" to describe actions taken to increase safety or prevent potential problems. For example, "The company is taking "additional safety measures" as an "extra precaution".

What can I say instead of "extra precaution"?

You can use alternatives like "heightened vigilance", ""additional safety measures"", or "supplementary safeguard" depending on the context.

When should I use "extra precaution" versus "precaution"?

"Extra precaution" implies taking more measures than are typically necessary or expected, while "precaution" refers to standard preventative actions. Use "extra precaution" when there's a specific heightened risk or concern.

Is it redundant to say "take extra precaution"?

While "take precaution" is acceptable, "take "extra precaution"" is commonly used to emphasize the action of going above and beyond typical safety measures. However, ensure the context warrants the emphasis to avoid sounding repetitive.