safeguards

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'safeguards' is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a protective measure taken to prevent harm or loss. For example: "The company has put in place several safeguards to protect its data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hacking is one of the most intrusive surveillance capabilities available to any intelligence agency, and its use and safeguards surrounding it should be the subject of proper debate.

The Guardian

The MPs and peers suggested that the new legislation should list every intrusive capability available to the security services and specify their purpose, authorisation procedure and what safeguards and oversight procedures exist for their use.

The Guardian

Anderson has said his review considered the safeguards to privacy, issues of transparency and oversight as well as the powers needed to meet the challenge of changing technologies.

The Guardian

Ministers promise to provide for "appropriate oversight arrangements and safeguards", but there is no immediate detail on how the complex web of intelligence and surveillance commissioners and parliamentary oversight might be strengthened.

The Guardian

"UNHCR does not object to the returns of persons properly found not to be in need of international protection, but considers anyone claiming asylum has a right to have their case properly assessed by qualified personnel in accordance with the necessary procedural and legal safeguards".

The Guardian

I think there will be an absolutely, rigidly defined piece of legislation that safeguards the actions of doctors if they perform an abortion to save the life of the mother.

The Guardian

I choose not to do personal consultancy for the food industry because it is often harder, though not impossible, to put similar safeguards around advisory work and the discussions are not published in the peer-reviewed way that we do for research findings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert witnesses are being subjected to greater scrutiny by the criminal courts, despite the government's refusal to implement safeguards recommended by its own law reform advisers.

The Guardian

Xenophon provided one of the six crossbench votes the government needed to get Direct Action through the Senate last July, in return for assurances that the safeguards mechanism would impose real limits on greenhouse emissions from industry.

The Guardian

The AI Group also notes that the "safeguards mechanism" – which is supposed to ensure that industrial emissions do not rise and cancel out any reductions bought primarily from avoiding tree-clearing and capturing gases from landfill – would need "substantial amendment" if it was to help reduce greenhouse emissions.

The Guardian

The independent senator, Nick Xenophon, who agreed to provide an essential vote for Direct Action on the understanding that the safeguards mechanism would be given "teeth", said recently that the final form of the "safeguards" showed Direct Action had been "neutered" and could not guarantee the emission reductions it had promised.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical or formal contexts, "safeguards" is a robust and appropriate term to use. It conveys a sense of diligence and responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "safeguards" interchangeably with simple security measures. "Safeguards" often imply a comprehensive system of protection, not just isolated actions.

Linguistic Context

The word "safeguards" primarily functions as a noun, typically in the plural form, referring to measures designed to protect something or someone from harm or risk. As Ludwig AI explains, the term is grammatically correct and frequently employed. The examples show its usage in contexts ranging from legal rights to data protection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "safeguards" is a grammatically correct and versatile term that serves to highlight protective measures. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its proper usage and widespread adoption. Predominantly found in news, formal business, and scientific contexts, the term conveys a sense of security and preparedness. When writing, it’s essential to use "safeguards" to emphasize a comprehensive protection system, rather than isolated security measures. Remembering these nuances will enhance your clarity and credibility when discussing protective strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

safety precautions

Specifically relates to actions taken to ensure safety.

protective measures

Emphasizes the actions taken to provide protection.

security protocols

Focuses on the established procedures for maintaining security.

security provisions

Emphasizes the arrangements made to ensure security.

precautionary steps

Highlights the proactive nature of the measures taken to prevent harm.

preventative actions

Stresses the aim to stop something negative from happening.

protective barriers

Suggests a physical or metaphorical obstacle preventing harm.

defense mechanisms

Implies a system designed to protect against threats.

risk mitigation strategies

Focuses on reducing the potential impact of risks.

guarantees

Implies a formal assurance of protection or security.

FAQs

How can I use "safeguards" in a sentence?

You can use "safeguards" to describe measures put in place to protect something. For example: "The new system includes several "protective measures" as "safeguards" against data breaches".

What are some synonyms for "safeguards"?

Alternatives to "safeguards" include "protective measures", "security protocols", and "precautionary steps". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct: "safeguards" or "safety measures"?

Both "safeguards" and "safety measures" are correct, but they can have slightly different connotations. "Safeguards" often implies a more comprehensive and systematic approach to protection than "safety measures".

What is the difference between "safeguards" and "security"?

"Security" is a general state of being protected, while "safeguards" are the specific actions or mechanisms implemented to achieve that "security". You implement "safeguards" to ensure "security".