protects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protects" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of keeping someone or something safe from harm or danger. Example: "The new policy protects the rights of employees in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That test, it will be argued, is not compatible with article 2 of the European convention which protects the right to life.

The Guardian

"The longer a motorist protects their NCD and doesn't make a claim, the less cost-effective it becomes," says Kevin Pratt, insurance expert at Moneysupermarket.

The Guardian - Money

Perhaps Talbot's passion is a part of what really justifies the MSC because it preserves lifestyles and protects the spirit of places.

The Guardian

The group of women claim the undercover officers' actions breached their human rights as protected by the European Convention on Human Rights, including Article 3, which prohibits inhumane and degrading treatment, and Article 8, which protects private and family life.

The Guardian

The submission also recommends a provision that protects people from criminal, civil or disciplinary liability where they volunteer information to the committee.

The Guardian

There's also evidence that coffee protects you from Parkinson's disease.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We'll be campaigning to be part of an EU that protects workers, takes bold action on climate change and stands up to corporate interests.

The Guardian

Interviewees accepted that behaviour that protects and promotes individual egos and ambitions – a tendency that looms large in "heroic" old-style leadership – has little place today.

The Guardian

They are part of a system that protects the business they have.

The Guardian

Issues concerning inadequate legal and financial structures, as well as lack of an appropriate framework that protects the poor and pays close attention to the regulatory and policy regime need to be addressed.

The Guardian

But, he realised, it's just a refinement of its aims: just like any company, it wants to build a "moat" – a unique selling point that protects it from would-be rivals undercutting or displacing it.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "protects", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is providing the protection and the object specifies what is being protected for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "protects" in overly passive constructions that obscure who or what is providing the protection. For example, instead of "The data is protected by encryption," use "Encryption protects the data."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "protects" is as a transitive verb in the third-person singular present tense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that someone or something keeps another entity safe from harm or danger. The action is directed towards an object, as seen in examples like, "Encryption technology that protects email accounts."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "protects" is a versatile and frequently used verb indicating the act of keeping something or someone safe from harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing. With a neutral to professional register, it commonly appears in news articles, business documents, and scientific publications. Effective writing with "protects" involves clearly identifying both the protector and the protected entity. Alternatives like "safeguards", "defends", and "shields" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

safeguards

Focuses on preventing harm or damage, often implying a proactive measure.

shields

Suggests a barrier or defense against a direct threat.

defends

Emphasizes active resistance against an attack or challenge.

guards

Highlights the act of watching over and preventing unauthorized access or harm.

preserves

Focuses on maintaining something in its original state, preventing decay or loss.

secures

Implies making something safe and stable, often with a sense of permanence.

fortifies

Suggests strengthening or reinforcing something against potential threats.

shelters

Implies providing a safe haven or refuge from danger or hardship.

insulates

Focuses on preventing something from being affected by external influences.

buffers

Implies creating a cushion or barrier to absorb shocks or impacts.

FAQs

How do I use "protects" in a sentence?

Use "protects" to indicate that something keeps someone or something safe from harm. For example, "The helmet "protects" the head from injury".

What can I say instead of "protects"?

You can use alternatives like "safeguards", "defends", or "shields" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "protects" and "preserves"?

"Protects" implies guarding against harm, while "preserves" suggests maintaining something in its original state. One "protects" from external threats; the other maintains internal qualities.

Which is correct, "protects against" or "protects from"?

Both "protects against" and "protects from" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, but they are largely interchangeable in most contexts.