remain a deterrent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain a deterrent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that continues to prevent or discourage certain actions or behaviors. Example: "The strict penalties for cheating in exams remain a deterrent for most students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Visa rules remain a deterrent.

The Economist

Spooky prison stories aside, crocodiles remain a deterrent to wandering off alone on Coiba.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The long horseback ride from Merced remained a deterrent to tourists.

Wikipedia

It proved to be crucial in calming markets—so much so that it has thus far remained an unused deterrent.

The Economist

Admittedly, cost remains a deterrent for some.

The New York Times - Arts

Speaking from outside Britain, a senior official told me that after the fall of the Qaddafi regime NATO air patrols and a no-fly zone would certainly have to remain in place as a deterrent to fighting between different factions or tribes, and to fulfil NATO's mandate from the United Nations to protect civilians.

The Economist

But as long as nuclear weapons remain the primary deterrent against aggression, different countries are going to have an incentive to acquire them, and I think the numbers will continue to grow.

The New York Times - Magazine

He said it was essential for American military forces to remain in Japan, particularly as a deterrent against North Korean aggression and the ever-bolder Chinese armed forces.

The New York Times

In resource limited countries however, the high incidence of tuberculosis and insufficient equipment remain deterrents to systematic sputum culture and susceptibility tests.

BMC Infectious Diseases

But 41% disagreed that it was a deterrent, with the remaining 13% answering they did not know.

The Guardian

But cost remained the biggest deterrent, with 57percentt of women citing it as the biggest barrier to nutritious grub.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "remain a deterrent", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific action or behavior is being discouraged.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something which "remains a deterrent" is completely effective; acknowledge that deterrents can sometimes fail to prevent undesired actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain a deterrent" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of something continuing to prevent or discourage an action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain a deterrent" describes the continuing effect of something discouraging a particular action. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is grammatically correct and primarily appears in news and media contexts. While "remain a deterrent" is a useful phrase, remember that deterrents are not always completely effective and should not be overstated. For alternatives, consider options such as "continue to deter" or "persist as a discouragement" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to deter

Focuses on the ongoing action of deterring, rather than the state of being a deterrent.

persist as a discouragement

Highlights the aspect of discouragement and its continuous presence.

serve as an ongoing disincentive

Emphasizes the role of disincentive and its uninterrupted effect.

stay a preventive measure

Shifts the focus to the preventive nature and its sustained effectiveness.

continue to act as a check

Uses the metaphor of a 'check' to represent a restraining influence.

maintain its inhibitory effect

Highlights the inhibitory action and its sustained impact.

endure as a curb

Implies a more forceful restraining effect that persists over time.

hold its dissuasive power

Focuses on the power to dissuade and its sustained presence.

keep discouraging

Simplifies the phrase to its core action, emphasizing continuity.

stand as a lasting restraint

Highlights the enduring nature of the restraint.

FAQs

How can I use "remain a deterrent" in a sentence?

You can use "remain a deterrent" to describe something that continues to discourage a particular action. For example, "Despite the reduced fines, the risk of getting caught may "remain a deterrent" for most drivers".

What are some alternatives to "remain a deterrent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "continue to deter", "persist as a discouragement", or "serve as an ongoing disincentive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "remains a deterrent" or "remain a deterrent"?

The phrase "remain a deterrent" is generally used when referring to something in a general or hypothetical sense. The form "remains a deterrent" would be appropriate if you're referring to a specific, singular item. For example, "This specific law remains a deterrent".

What factors might cause something to stop "remaining a deterrent"?

A deterrent might cease to be effective due to changes in circumstances, such as reduced penalties, increased opportunities for evasion, or a shift in the perceived cost-benefit ratio. If penalties are rarely enforced they may not "remain a deterrent".