safer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "safer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the safety of two or more things, indicating that one is more secure than the other. Example: "This new design is safer than the previous model, reducing the risk of accidents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is a good deal, a deal that meets our core objectives … If this framework leads to a final, comprehensive deal, it will make our country, our allies and our world safer".

The Guardian

Potter said he was studying aerodynamics and aerospace technology and was committed to developing safer gear and flying protocols.

The Guardian

In the 80s, the focus shifted, with activists "working with industry and government to produce safer products", says Bobel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Civic planners in the world's largest metropolises have learned how to make urban spaces safer and more liveable, allowing cities to recover, thanks to new approaches to policing and social investment," he says.

The Guardian

"We want Iran to calculate what I think is a fair assessment: that if the United States extends a defence umbrella over the region, if we do even more to develop the military capacity of those [allies] in the Gulf, it is unlikely that Iran will be any stronger or safer because they won't be able to intimidate and dominate as they apparently believe they can once they have a nuclear weapon".

The Guardian

iPhone / iPad TouchTone (£2.29) Get your NSA on with this stylish security-themed game, where you have to decrypt suspicious messages to "help make our nation safer and stronger!" The satirical intent is clear, but this is also an engrossing puzzler.

The Guardian - Tech

NHS Choices says the nasal spray is safer and more effective than the injected vaccine and has only minor side-effects such as a runny nose, fever, muscle ache and headache.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What Is It Good For? "'War,' he thinks, 'has made humanity safer and richer'… Morris's book bears many resemblances to – and often openly acknowledges – similar books by writers such as Jared Diamond and Steven Pinker".

The Guardian - Books

More people are taken to hospital for injuries sustained playing Australian rules and soccer than other sports, but soccer still remains one of the safer team sports when the participation rate is taken into account.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Comparing the need to prioritise a safer planet above an extra cappuccino on the way to work wasn't her finest hour; even in this part of London.

The Guardian

Those with more steel (and perhaps safer seats) say the era of the leadership silver bullet is over.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "safer" when the context involves a tangible or measurable reduction of risk. Avoid using it in contexts where "better" or "more suitable" are more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "safer" when describing subjective preferences or qualities. For example, saying "This color is "safer" is incorrect. Instead, use terms like "more appealing" or "more conventional".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "safer" is as a comparative adjective. It is used to describe something that offers a greater degree of safety than something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage, confirming its function in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Lifestyle

18%

Tech

7%

Less common in

Opinion

5%

Books

4%

Sport

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "safer" functions as a comparative adjective used to indicate a reduced level of risk or increased security. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Lifestyle. While it is generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately and avoid overuse in subjective comparisons. When suggesting alternatives to "safer", consider options like "more secure", "less risky", or "more protected" depending on the specific context. The usage examples, along with the high expert rating, highlight the versatility and importance of understanding the nuances of "safer" in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

More secure

Emphasizes enhanced protection and reduced vulnerability.

Less risky

Focuses on the decreased probability of negative outcomes.

More protected

Highlights the presence of safeguards or defensive measures.

More reliable

Suggests a higher degree of dependability and reduced chance of failure.

More dependable

Implies a stronger ability to be trusted and relied upon.

More fortified

Indicates strengthened defenses and resistance to threats.

More immune

Highlights resistance or invulnerability to negative effects.

More stable

Emphasizes steadiness and resistance to change or disruption.

More harmless

Focuses on reduced potential for causing damage or injury.

Better guarded

Suggests improved surveillance and protection against potential threats.

FAQs

How can I use "safer" in a sentence?

The word "safer" is typically used to compare the relative safety of two things. For example, "Traveling by train is "safer" than traveling by car".

What can I say instead of "safer"?

You can use alternatives like "more secure", "less risky", or "more protected" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "safer than" or "more safer than"?

"Safer" is already a comparative adjective, so using "more "safer"" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "safer than".

What's the difference between "safer" and "more secure"?

While both indicate a reduction in risk, "safer" generally refers to physical safety or reduced likelihood of accidents, while "more secure" often implies protection against threats or unauthorized access.