preserve life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preserve life" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to maintain or protect someone's life. Example: It is the duty of doctors to preserve life at all costs, even if it means risking their own safety. Another example: The preservation of endangered species will help preserve life on our planet for future generations.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Always talk, preserve life".

Independent

The old guy is trying to preserve life.

The Guardian

Countless mummies were pulverized into powders believed to preserve life before death, if not afterward.

The New York Times - Arts

The force's priority had been to preserve life, the statement said, though the looting was "regrettable".

The New York Times

He is committed to the questions that "salt and preserve life".

The New Yorker

It is nice to see someone from the execution capital of the United States doing something to preserve life.

The Economist

It is so difficult after trying to save a patient, to preserve life, then to change course".

The New York Times

On the other hand, we should not be closed to investigating situations where they can possibly serve to preserve life.

The Guardian - Opinion

This wish to preserve life as we know it, even at the cost of dying, is profoundly human.

The New Yorker

But as a personal historian, listening and helping clients preserve life stories, I have become fascinated by the phenomena whereby friends and family are turned into an "enemy".

The New York Times

The user Smeeee summarised the feelings of many of the respondents: "We are trained for years during residency to preserve life.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical or moral obligations, use "preserve life" to emphasize the importance of protecting and valuing human existence. For example, "Doctors have a duty to "preserve life" whenever possible."

Common error

Avoid using "preserve life" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler terms like "save" or "protect" would be more appropriate. Using "preserve life" in informal settings may sound overly dramatic or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preserve life" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used as an infinitive to express a purpose or duty. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to describe an action or goal related to maintaining or protecting life.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preserve life" is a verb phrase widely used to express the critical action of safeguarding and maintaining life, with strong ties to ethical, medical, and legal contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms it as grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Science. Its meaning centers on protecting and valuing human existence, often conveying a sense of moral obligation. While versatile, it's best suited for formal scenarios, like professional discussions, to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternative phrases such as "safeguard life" or "protect life" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase is frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its reliable usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

safeguard life

Emphasis on protection from harm or danger, implying a proactive approach to preservation.

protect life

Focuses on shielding from immediate threats, suggesting a more reactive form of preservation.

sustain life

Highlights the ongoing support and maintenance necessary to keep life functioning.

maintain life

Similar to sustain, but may also imply preserving the quality of life, not just existence.

retain life

Implies holding onto life in the face of loss or deterioration, suggesting a struggle against decline.

conserve life

Focuses on careful management and avoidance of waste, emphasizing the value and limited nature of life.

extend life

Implies increasing the duration of life, often through medical intervention or lifestyle changes.

rescue life

Highlights the act of saving life from immediate peril, emphasizing a dramatic intervention.

secure life

Focuses on ensuring the safety and stability of life, often in the context of long-term planning or security measures.

defend life

Stresses the active opposition against threats to life, often in a combative or protective manner.

FAQs

How can I use "preserve life" in a sentence?

You can use "preserve life" to describe actions taken to protect or maintain someone's life. For example, "The hospital's primary goal is to "preserve life" and provide the best possible care".

What is a more informal way to say "preserve life"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "save someone's life", "protect life", or simply "keep someone alive" as more informal alternatives.

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

"Preserve life" is typically used in formal contexts, such as medical, legal, or ethical discussions, where the focus is on the importance and value of human existence. It's common in healthcare settings and discussions about end-of-life care.

What are some related concepts to "preserve life" in bioethics?

Related concepts include the "right to life", the "sanctity of life", and discussions surrounding euthanasia and end-of-life decisions. These concepts often involve balancing the desire to "preserve life" with considerations of quality of life and individual autonomy.