precautionary measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precautionary measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions taken to prevent potential problems or risks. Example: "As a precautionary measure, the company decided to conduct a thorough safety inspection of all equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This was a precautionary measure.

The New York Times

"It was a precautionary measure.

The New York Times

This is only a precautionary measure".

Independent

Cashman called it a precautionary measure.

The New York Times - Sports

She called the tests "a precautionary measure".

The New York Times

"It was a precautionary measure," Ms. Young said.

The New York Times - Science

"A specialist unit attended as a precautionary measure.

The Guardian

"It is purely a precautionary measure," she said.

The New York Times

The suggestion was that Mathews' departure was a precautionary measure.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is a precautionary measure," the spokesman added.

The Guardian

Deputy mayor Thierry Chevalier described it as a "precautionary measure".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, follow the most authoritative and trustworthy sources such as news outlets and scientific papers. This gives you trust when using "precautionary measure" in your writing.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "precautionary measure" as absolutely essential if the risk is minimal. Overstating the need can undermine credibility. Instead, acknowledge the potential risk and frame the action as a sensible precaution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precautionary measure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate it describing actions taken to mitigate potential risks or ensure safety.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precautionary measure" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe actions taken to prevent potential risks or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To enhance your writing, ensure the context clearly explains the associated risk and avoid overstating the necessity of the measure. Consider alternatives like "preventative action" or "safety precaution" to add variety to your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preventative measure

Similar to "precautionary measure" but emphasizes the act of preventing something.

safety measure

A broad term indicating any action taken to ensure safety and prevent accidents or injuries.

preventive step

Focuses more on the action of prevention, implying a single action taken to avert a potential issue.

safety precaution

Specifically emphasizes safety, suggesting the action aims to minimize harm or danger.

preventative action

Highlights the proactive nature of preventing something negative from happening.

protective step

Focuses on shielding or defending against a potential threat or harm.

risk mitigation strategy

A more formal and strategic approach to reducing potential risks.

contingency plan

Describes a plan designed to take a potential but uncertain event into account.

defensive tactic

Focuses on defending against a specific threat, often in a reactive context.

early warning system

A system that is implemented to detect dangerous situations before they become a threat.

FAQs

How can I use "precautionary measure" in a sentence?

You can use "precautionary measure" to describe an action taken to prevent something potentially dangerous or undesirable from happening. For example, "The company implemented the new safety protocols as a "precautionary measure" to protect its employees".

What are some alternatives to "precautionary measure"?

Alternatives include "preventive action", "safety precaution", or "preventative action", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "preventative measure" instead of "precautionary measure"?

Yes, "preventative measure" is a synonym and is often used interchangeably with ""precautionary measure"". Both phrases describe actions taken to avoid potential problems.

What's the difference between "precautionary measure" and "preventative measure"?

While both terms are very similar, ""precautionary measure"" generally implies taking action in advance of a known or suspected risk, whereas "preventative measure" focuses more on actively stopping something from happening.