precautionary action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precautionary action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to measures taken in advance to prevent potential problems or dangers. Example: "The company implemented precautionary action to ensure the safety of its employees during the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We believe that the weight of scientific evidence now warrants precautionary action".

The Guardian

"This is about taking prudent and precautionary action," he told media in Darwin.

The Guardian

The government must take precautionary action before it is too late and back the EU vote for a moratorium today.

The Guardian

Following the FDA's move, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden have taken precautionary action to limit the use of BPA.

Independent

Keeping our customers safe is extremely important to us, and that's why we're taking this voluntary and precautionary action".

The Guardian - Business

Another Great Depression was avoided, but the Great Recession could have been eased, and perhaps even avoided, if officials like Mr. Bernanke had taken precautionary action.

The New York Times

He said case-by-case rigorous assessment was needed and that any precautionary action had to be proportional to the evidence of harm.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Many of the precautionary actions that we need to take would be sensible in any event.

The New York Times

The authors of the EEA's report found only four cases in which regulators took unnecessary precautionary actions.

The Guardian

And it is considered one of the principal reasons he took quick, precautionary actions during the Three Mile Island reactor crisis, which occurred two years into his presidency.

The Economist

The government ordered an additional amount of salt to grid the streets and said that a range of other "precautionary actions now should ensure that authorities can cope with any further extreme weather over Christmas and the New Year".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks, follow "precautionary action" with a specific explanation of what actions were taken or should be taken to mitigate those risks. This provides clarity and actionable information.

Common error

Avoid presenting "precautionary action" as a guaranteed solution. Instead, frame it as a measure to reduce risk or improve preparedness, acknowledging that unforeseen circumstances may still arise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precautionary action" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it correctly refers to a measure that is taken in advance to prevent possible harm. It identifies specific measure taken to avoid potential dangers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precautionary action" refers to measures taken in advance to prevent potential problems or dangers. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in English. This phrase is very common, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. When writing, it's best to follow up with a clear explanation of what specific actions were or should be taken to mitigate risks, while avoiding the overstatement of its effectiveness as a guaranteed solution. Related phrases include "preventive measure", "protective step", and "safety precaution". Understanding these nuances can help you communicate more effectively about risk management and safety strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preventive measure

Focuses on preventing something from happening in the first place.

Protective step

Highlights the act of shielding or guarding against harm.

Safety precaution

Specifically emphasizes measures taken to ensure safety.

Contingency plan

Refers to a plan designed to address potential future events or problems.

Risk mitigation

Focuses on reducing the severity or likelihood of risks.

Forward planning

Emphasizes planning in advance to avoid future issues.

Proactive measure

Highlights taking action before a problem arises.

Early intervention

Focuses on addressing a problem in its initial stages.

Due diligence

Emphasizes thorough investigation and careful consideration before taking action.

Preparedness strategy

Refers to a comprehensive approach to being ready for potential threats.

FAQs

How is "precautionary action" typically used in a sentence?

It's used to describe steps taken to prevent potential harm or danger. For example, "The company took "precautionary action" to protect its employees."

What are some alternatives to saying "precautionary action"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "preventive measure", "protective step", or "safety precaution".

When should I use "precautionary action" versus "preventive measure"?

"Precautionary action" emphasizes acting in advance of a potential problem, while "preventive measure" focuses on stopping something from happening at all. The choice depends on whether you're trying to lessen a risk or eliminate it entirely.

Is there a legal or policy context for "precautionary action"?

Yes, the "precautionary principle" is a concept in environmental law and policy that supports "precautionary action" when there's a risk of serious or irreversible harm, even if there's a lack of full scientific certainty.