shield against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shield against" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "shield against" when discussing a protective barrier or layer of protection from something. For example: We must continue to wear masks and practice social distancing to shield against the spread of the virus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a shield against annihilation.

The Washington Post

It acts as a shield against disclosure.

The Guardian

Voters see Mrs Merkel as a shield against European storms.

The Economist

The ironic frame functions as a shield against criticism.

The New York Times

Information technology alone cannot provide us an absolute shield against its evil twin--disinformation technology.

Princeton University

Education helps shield against the kind of disenchantment that can breed violence, they said.

Princeton University

"That Amendment erects no shield against merely private conduct, however discriminatory or wrongful". Ibid.

Cornell University

Tells about the commercial which shows a perfect defense shield against missiles.

The New Yorker

But it also a shield against patent litigation by competitors and patent-holding firms.

The New York Times

On the campaign trail, he promised to build a national defensive shield against missiles.

The Economist

Mr Blair believes that Mr Prescott provides a shield against this sort of barb.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shield against", consider the specific type of threat or harm you are trying to prevent. This will help you choose the most appropriate and vivid language to describe the protection.

Common error

Avoid using "shield against" in overly abstract or metaphorical situations where a more direct verb like 'protect' or 'prevent' would be clearer and more effective. Ensure the context warrants the imagery of a shield.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shield against" functions primarily as a verb phrase taking a direct object. It describes the act of providing protection or defense from something harmful or undesirable. As confirmed by Ludwig, the structure indicates a protective action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shield against" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express the idea of providing protection from something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a verb phrase and often conveys a proactive approach to preventing harm. The phrase is used in a variety of contexts, most frequently in news and media and scientific writing, with a register ranging from neutral to formal. While alternatives like "protect from" and "defend against" exist, "shield against" emphasizes a more robust and comprehensive defense. It is important to use this phrase thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in overly abstract contexts to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect from

Focuses on the act of keeping something safe from harm, similar to shielding but more general.

defend against

Emphasizes active resistance against an attack or threat, implying a more dynamic protection.

guard against

Suggests vigilance and caution in preventing something undesirable from happening.

buffer from

Implies a cushioning effect, reducing the impact of something harmful.

insulate from

Focuses on preventing the transmission of something, like heat, sound, or negative influences.

safeguard from

Highlights the act of preserving or protecting something valuable from potential harm.

secure from

Stresses the aspect of making something safe and inaccessible to threats.

fortify against

Implies strengthening something to resist attack or penetration.

screen from

Suggests blocking or filtering something out, providing a protective barrier.

ward off

Emphasizes repelling or deflecting something harmful, often used for diseases or negative influences.

FAQs

How can I use "shield against" in a sentence?

You can use "shield against" to describe something that provides protection from a threat or danger. For example, "Wearing a mask can help shield against the spread of viruses."

What are some alternatives to "shield against"?

Alternatives to "shield against" include "protect from", "defend against", or "guard against". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "shield against" or "protect against"?

Both "shield against" and "protect against" are correct, but "shield against" often implies a more robust or comprehensive defense. "Protect against" is generally more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.

What does it mean to "shield against" something in a financial context?

In a financial context, "shield against" typically refers to strategies or instruments used to protect investments or assets from potential losses or risks, such as hedging or diversification. For example, "Diversifying your portfolio can shield against market volatility."