precautionary measures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'precautionary measures' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to actions taken to reduce the chances of a bad situation occurring. For example: "The company implemented a series of precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We just took precautionary measures.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes Mr. Stein pushed for precautionary measures.

The New York Times - Science

Residents have taken their own precautionary measures.

The New York Times

How can we determine which precautionary measures are most urgent?

Harvard University

Other dioceses are taking precautionary measures, a conference spokesman said.

The New York Times

"I understand they have to take precautionary measures".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions taken in anticipation of a potential threat, use "precautionary measures" to convey a sense of proactive safety and risk management.

Common error

Avoid using "precautionary measures" without specifying what those measures are. Be specific about the actions taken to provide clarity and demonstrate thorough planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precautionary measures" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to actions taken in advance to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precautionary measures" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe actions taken to prevent potential harm. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and versatility across numerous contexts. Predominantly found in news, science, and academic writing, the phrase conveys proactive risk management. While alternatives like "preventive measures" and "protective measures" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: planning and acting to avoid negative outcomes. Remember to specify the measures taken to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preventive actions

Focuses on the act of preventing something negative from happening, similar to precautionary measures but emphasizes direct action.

preventive measures

Similar to "precautionary measures", but more commonly used and focuses explicitly on prevention.

protective measures

Emphasizes the act of shielding or safeguarding against potential harm, differing slightly in focus from general precaution.

safety precautions

Highlights the safety aspect, specifically actions taken to ensure safety and avoid accidents or injuries.

security measures

Focuses on actions taken to protect against threats, especially in contexts of crime or attack, shifting the focus to security.

risk mitigation strategies

More formal and business-oriented, referring to systematic approaches to reduce risk, which is a broader concept than simple precaution.

contingency plans

Refers to plans prepared for potential adverse events, rather than general precautionary actions.

safeguarding protocols

Emphasizes established procedures for protection, typically used in formal or institutional settings.

mitigation efforts

Focuses on reducing the severity of something, which is broader than just taking precautions.

due diligence

Implies a comprehensive assessment and action to prevent harm, often in a legal or business context, suggesting a more thorough investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "precautionary measures" to describe actions taken to prevent something negative from happening, such as, "The company implemented "precautionary measures" to avoid any potential safety hazards."

What's the difference between "precautionary measures" and "preventive measures"?

"Precautionary measures" generally refer to actions taken out of caution, while "preventive measures"/"preventive actions" are specifically intended to stop something from happening. The terms are often interchangeable, but preventive actions imply a more direct attempt to avert a specific outcome.

Are there other phrases similar to "precautionary measures"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "protective measures", "safety precautions", or "security measures", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "precautionary measures" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "precautionary measures" when describing actions taken to minimize potential risks or avert negative outcomes, especially when specific threats are anticipated or known.