preserve

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'preserve' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb to indicate that something is maintained or kept in its existing state, or it can be used as a noun to refer to a type of food, such as jams and jellies. For example: The city issued a mandate to help preserve the old buildings. My grandmother makes delicious preserves every summer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How do we preserve it?

BBC

And as for caring about the decency (BNP supporters aside) and potential of individual voters, or genuinely acting to preserve and encourage their humanity.

The Guardian

Caesar first brought the images to the National Holocaust Museum in Washington (where 10 images were recently exhibited in the Museum's Genocide Prevention Center), seeking to learn how best to preserve and archive the images and preserve them for future prosecution.

The Guardian

Agreed in 2000, the declaration states that, when framing laws, the EC "must take account of the social, educational and cultural functions inherent in sport" to preserve its unique role in modern communities.

The Guardian - Sport

The park where the mauling occurred allows lions to roam while tourists drive through the preserve.

The Guardian

Cameron has said British foreign policy has for too long ignored north Africa, leaving the region largely as the sole preserve of the French.

The Guardian

It's almost as if the goal was to preserve the legal fiction that was terra nullius – that the landmass of Australia was empty when the British arrived".

The Guardian

Without a policy to stop this – such as land value taxation, or a different model that fixes prices at permanently affordable levels, like community land trusts – shared ownership is going to become the preserve of richer households in more parts of London.

The Guardian

President Bashar is the only one to preserve Syria as a land of civilisation.

The Guardian

We take so much for granted... What if, despite previous disasters, they built a new biological preserve where you could see dinosaurs walk the earth … and what if people were already kind of over it?

The Guardian - Film

Requiring a score in excess of 400 to preserve their survival prospects they had mustered 103.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical conservation, use "preserve" to emphasize maintaining the authenticity and integrity of artifacts or sites. For example, "The museum aims to "preserve" the original condition of the ancient artifacts."

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "conserve" when they mean "preserve". "Conserve" generally implies using resources wisely to avoid depletion, while "preserve" means to keep something in its existing state, even if it isn't a resource. To avoid this error, ask yourself whether you are focusing on careful resource use or on maintaining something as it is.

Linguistic Context

The word "preserve" functions primarily as a verb, indicating the action of keeping something in its original state or protecting it from harm. It can also function as a noun, referring to a type of food or a protected area, as shown in Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "preserve" is a versatile word functioning as both a verb and a noun, commonly used to express the act of maintaining or protecting something from decay or harm. As Ludwig AI highlights, "preserve" is grammatically sound and widely accepted in formal and informal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific sources, the word's usage emphasizes the significance of safeguarding elements, whether physical, cultural, or environmental. While synonyms like "conserve" and "safeguard" offer similar meanings, it’s important to consider the subtle nuances in context. For effective communication, remember that while "conserve" focuses on careful resource utilization, "preserve" is about maintaining the original state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect

Directly addresses the act of defending something from danger or threat.

keep intact

Simple and direct, focusing on maintaining wholeness or completeness.

safeguard

Emphasizes protecting something from harm or damage, highlighting preventative measures.

conserve

Focuses on careful use and avoidance of waste, subtly shifting the emphasis from protection to resource management.

maintain

Highlights the act of keeping something in good condition, implying ongoing effort.

uphold

Suggests supporting or defending something, especially a principle or law.

sustain

Emphasizes the ability to keep something going or existing over time.

conserve resources

More specific, indicating the conservation of materials or assets.

ensure survival

Highlights the act of making certain that something continues to live or exist, focusing on life preservation.

maintain continuity

Implies the uninterrupted continuation of something over a period of time, highlighting preservation of sequence or flow.

FAQs

How can I use "preserve" in a sentence?

You can use "preserve" to mean to maintain something in its original or existing state. For example, "The historical society works to "preserve" the city's landmarks." It can also refer to preparing food to prevent spoilage.

What are some synonyms for "preserve"?

Synonyms for "preserve" include "conserve", "safeguard", "maintain", and "protect". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "preserve" and "conserve"?

"Preserve" generally means to keep something as it is, protecting it from harm or change. "Conserve", on the other hand, means to use something carefully to avoid waste or depletion. For instance, you might "preserve" a historic building and "conserve" water.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "preserve"?

"Preserve" is appropriate in contexts where the goal is to maintain something's original condition or prevent its decay. This can include historical preservation, food preservation, and the "preservation" of natural resources.