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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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preservatives

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"preservatives" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used as a noun to refer to something, such as a chemical, added to food products to help keep them fresh and shelf-stable. For example, "Processed foods usually contain preservatives that help to extend their shelf life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lutefisk (dried cod soaked in water and lye so it swells), pickled herring, lingonberries (which keep well without preservatives), knäckebröd (crispbread), and fermented or preserved dairy products such as the yogurtlike fil, the stringy långfil, and cheeses all reflect this need for foods that will keep through the colder parts of the year.

Processed meat is generally defined as any meat preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or with chemical preservatives added to it.

News & Media

Independent

They are cooked the old-fashioned way – with minimal preservatives – and are great for porridge, although they take longer to cook as a result of the way they've been cut.

News & Media

The Guardian

"Attention to ingredients and the use of new technologies in production give a shelf-life of five months without preservatives," says Michele Bauli, deputy chairman and a member of the firm's founding family.

News & Media

The Economist

It contained sunset yellow, carmiosine, quinoline yellow and allura red, plus sodium benzoate.The diets of roughly 150 children from each age group were changed so they contained no food colouring or preservatives.

News & Media

The Economist

But the stuff is not durable enough to be used outdoors without being treated with toxic preservatives to protect it against fungi and insect pests.

News & Media

The Economist

In 2000 Unilever bought Ben & Jerry's, a wacky ice-cream-maker with a self-proclaimed "social mission"; a year later McDonald's took a 33% stake in Pret A Manger, a London-based chain of sandwich bars pledged to "no additives, no preservatives" and freshness.The public images of firms such as McDonald's and Pret are poles apart.

News & Media

The Economist

Then he took the chemicals and additives out, replacing them with alecost, tansy and woodruff, plants of the hedgerows, which were natural preservatives.

News & Media

The Economist

Especially in its home market the firm's customers are confused by the nearly 200 choices on its menu, suspicious of the ingredients and preservatives in its food and enraged by the way it seems to treat its workers.Some analysts wonder whether Mr Easterbrook, as a longtime insider, is the fresh blood needed at the top of McDonald's.

News & Media

The Economist

But can the combination of colourings and preservatives added to all sorts of food harm children, making it harder for them to concentrate and to learn?

News & Media

The Economist

The new vaccine microspheres, on the other hand, can be injected straight into the body, eliminating those sorts of mistake and with them the need for the preservatives found in ordinary vaccines.In addition to that, because the sugar-glass coats the vaccine molecules and thus isolates them, various vaccines in their own microspheres can be mixed together in a single jab.

News & Media

The Economist
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing food products, clearly specify whether you are referring to natural or artificial "preservatives" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "preservatives" are harmful; some natural "preservatives" like salt and vinegar have been used for centuries.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

80%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The word "preservatives" primarily functions as a noun, specifically the plural form, referring to substances added to products to prevent decomposition. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

35%

News & Media

33%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "preservatives" is a common and grammatically correct plural noun used to describe substances added to prevent spoilage or maintain the quality of products. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, most notably encyclopedias and news media, with a neutral to formal register. While "preservatives" is widely understood, specifying the type (natural vs. artificial) enhances clarity. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing the term and recognize that not all "preservatives" are harmful. Related terms include "food additives", "conservation agents", and "shelf-life enhancers", each highlighting slightly different aspects of preservation.

FAQs

How are "preservatives" used in food production?

"Preservatives" are added to food to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, prevent oxidation, and maintain freshness, thereby extending shelf life.

What are some natural alternatives to chemical "preservatives"?

Natural alternatives include salt, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, and certain herbs and spices. These act as natural "conservation agents".

Are all "preservatives" harmful to health?

No, not all "preservatives" are harmful. Many approved "preservatives" undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for consumption in specified amounts. However, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to certain "food additives".

What is the difference between "preservatives" and "shelf-life enhancers"?

"Preservatives" specifically target spoilage mechanisms like microbial growth or oxidation. "Shelf-life enhancers" is a broader term that may include methods or substances that maintain the quality and appeal of a product, not just prevent spoilage.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: