precautionary steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precautionary steps" 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: "Before the storm hits, we need to take precautionary steps to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Such precautionary steps can prevent complications when other inventors make claims over a promising discovery.

Harvard Business Review

Olson says many precautionary steps can be taken to mitigate the harm that violent video games might cause.

University of California, Berkeley

Instead, he must take "certain precautionary steps" against the necessary inquiries of his prospective son-in-law.

The Guardian - Books

And while the fledgling field of online psychiatry has yet to yield any documented disasters, some Web sites have taken precautionary steps to prevent crises like suicides.

The New York Times

In March, President Jacques Chirac called for his ministries to ensure that precautionary steps were taken in case of another heat wave.

The New York Times - Travel

But just as workers were completing the precautionary steps Sunday night, the entire nine-story building was pummeled by a tornado.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Egghead.com asked the F.B.I. to investigate and said it had notified credit-card companies as a precautionary step.

The New York Times

Egghead.com asked the F.B.I. to investigate and said it notified credit card companies as a precautionary step.

The New York Times

In what they called a precautionary step, alliance officials imposed an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew.

The New York Times

The home secretary confirmed that the Home Office had taken the precautionary step of raising security at seaports.

The Guardian

This was described as a precautionary step to perform a biopsy, or analysis of whether the tissue was malignant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks, follow the phrase "precautionary steps" with specific examples to clarify what actions are being taken. For instance: "We are taking "precautionary steps", such as installing smoke detectors and conducting regular fire drills."

Common error

Avoid using "precautionary steps" in a way that implies absolute certainty of preventing a negative outcome. Instead, acknowledge that these steps aim to reduce risk, not eliminate it entirely. For example, instead of saying 'These "precautionary steps" will guarantee safety', say 'These "precautionary steps" will significantly reduce the risk'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precautionary steps" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., 'take "precautionary steps"') or as part of a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

23%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precautionary steps" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes actions taken in advance to mitigate potential risks. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. When using "precautionary steps", it's best to provide specific examples and avoid implying absolute certainty of preventing negative outcomes. Consider alternatives such as "preventive measures" or "safety precautions" for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preventive measures

Focuses on preventing something from happening, similar to taking steps beforehand.

safety precautions

Highlights the safety aspect of taking steps to avoid danger.

protective measures

Emphasizes the act of shielding or defending against potential harm.

preventative actions

Similar to preventive measures, but uses "actions" to denote specific deeds.

risk mitigation strategies

A more formal term used in business and project management contexts.

early warnings

Focuses on actions taken ahead of time to give a sign of danger.

proactive measures

Stresses the anticipatory and forward-thinking nature of the actions.

prudent actions

Highlights the wisdom and careful consideration behind the steps taken.

careful planning

Focuses on the planning aspect of being prepared.

contingency planning

Involves planning for unexpected events, a specific type of precautionary action.

FAQs

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

You can use "precautionary steps" to describe actions taken in advance to prevent something negative from happening. For example, "The company is taking "precautionary steps" to protect its data from cyberattacks."

What are some alternatives to "precautionary steps"?

Some alternatives to "precautionary steps" include "preventive measures", "safety precautions", and "protective measures". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "precautionary steps" or "preventative steps"?

Both "precautionary steps" and "preventative steps" are acceptable, but "precautionary steps" is slightly more common. Both refer to actions taken to avoid potential problems.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "precautionary steps"?

The phrase "precautionary steps" is suitable in various situations, including discussions about safety, security, health, and risk management. It's used when describing proactive measures taken to minimize potential negative outcomes.