prevent a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevent a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing measures or actions taken to avoid an issue from occurring. Example: "To ensure the project's success, we need to implement strategies that will prevent a problem before it arises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

John L. Costello, Nassau County's first deputy police commissioner, said that enough senior officers choose nights to prevent a problem.

The New York Times

"We follow the principle of 'minimal sufficiency,' " says Sanders. "Use the smallest possible intervention to solve or prevent a problem".

The New York Times

It can also prevent a problem by alerting a supervisor before losing a customer.

Forbes

To effectively prevent a problem usually requires understanding what the problem is.

Injury Epidemiology

Moreover, Maher is concerned because the law would prevent a problem that doesn't exist.

Huffington Post

Passive aggressive kids may express their anger covertly by choosing not to share information when it could prevent a problem.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Spending time and money preventing a problem rather than repairing the damage is the right thing to do for children.

The Guardian

This is one instance in which ideas developed within the family therapy context can help by preventing a problem before it occurs.

The New York Times

On the contrary, it is meant to be a cold-eyed political demolition derby: a controlled explosion that can protect an Administration by preventing a problem appointee from getting inside the inner sanctum.

The New Yorker

"Spending time and money preventing a problem rather than repairing the damage is the right and logical thing to do.

BBC

Why, as a country, are we so resistant to preventing a problem, preferring instead to rely on the reaction to the crisis to fix the problem?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevent a problem", clearly specify the actions taken to avoid the issue. Providing concrete examples strengthens the statement and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "preventing a problem" without outlining the specific problem or preventative measures. This can weaken the message and make it less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevent a problem" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, where 'prevent' acts as a verb indicating an action taken to stop something undesirable from occurring, and 'a problem' serves as the object. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevent a problem" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe actions taken to avoid potential issues. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, suggesting its versatility. When using this phrase, providing specific details about the preventative measures is crucial for clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "avoid a problem" or "avert a problem" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid a problem

Focuses on evading the problem entirely, not necessarily acting to stop it.

avert a problem

Implies turning away or deflecting the problem, often used in more formal contexts.

forestall a problem

Suggests acting in advance to hinder a problem from arising.

preclude a problem

Indicates making a problem impossible or excluding it from happening.

mitigate a problem

Focuses on reducing the severity of a problem, rather than preventing its occurrence.

head off a problem

Suggests intercepting a problem before it fully develops, often implies swift action.

nip a problem in the bud

Emphasizes stopping a problem at its earliest stage of development.

deter a problem

Focuses on discouraging the emergence of a problem through preventative measures or threats.

preempt a problem

Implies acting before a problem has a chance to materialize.

defuse a problem

Implies neutralizing a problem by taking elements from it or breaking a situation up.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "prevent a problem"?

You can use alternatives like "avoid a problem", "avert a problem", or "forestall a problem" depending on the context.

How to use "prevent a problem" in a sentence?

To effectively use "prevent a problem", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what actions are being taken to stop a particular issue from occurring. For example, "Implementing regular maintenance can prevent a problem with the machinery."

What's the difference between "prevent a problem" and "solve a problem"?

"Prevent a problem" focuses on stopping an issue from occurring in the first place, while "solve a problem" refers to fixing an issue that already exists. Prevention is proactive, while solving is reactive.

Is "preventing a problem" grammatically correct?

Yes, "preventing a problem" is grammatically correct. It is the gerund form of the verb "prevent" used as a noun, and it is commonly used to describe the act of stopping a problem from happening.