shield them from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shield them from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing protection or defense against something harmful or undesirable. Example: "The organization aims to shield them from the negative effects of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To shield them from terrorists.

The New York Times

That did not shield them from the onslaught of development.

The New York Times

A curtain would then shield them from view.

The New York Times - Arts

Regulation has been designed to shield them from competition.

The Economist

Language and cultural barriers can also shield them from exposure.

The New York Times

This confidentiality is considered essential to shield them from retaliation.

The New York Times

There were also drainage ditches on the walls to shield them from damage by excessive rainwater.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In both Mr. Lauer's and Mr. Gumbel's case, NBC failed to shield them from criticism.

The New York Times

Far from damaging the incumbents' prospects, the rules seem to shield them from competition.

The Economist

That does not shield them from margin pressure as the industry matures.

The Economist

You can't shield them from everything, so you need to teach them to make good decisions.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about protecting vulnerable individuals or groups, use "shield them from" to emphasize a proactive effort to create a safe environment or prevent exposure to harm.

Common error

Avoid using "shield them from" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "They should be shielded from criticism", opt for active phrasing like "We must shield them from criticism" to emphasize agency and responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shield them from" functions as a verb phrase expressing the act of protecting someone or something from a potential threat or negative influence. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

16%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shield them from" is a common and grammatically sound way to express protection from harm or unwanted influences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile and appropriate for various contexts. It sees widespread use in news, business, and academic writing, indicating its broad applicability. When using "shield them from", consider proactive measures and active phrasing to enhance clarity and impact. Alternative phrases like "protect them from", "guard them from", and "shelter them from" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect them from

Uses a more common synonym for "shield", maintaining the same structure and meaning.

guard them from

Similar to "protect", but implies a more active and watchful defense.

defend them against

Suggests a more forceful resistance against an attack or threat.

shelter them from

Implies providing a safe haven or refuge from harm.

safeguard them from

Highlights the importance of keeping them safe and secure.

screen them from

Suggests filtering out something unpleasant or unwanted.

insulate them from

Implies protecting them from the effects of something.

buffer them from

Suggests creating a barrier to absorb the impact of something.

cushion them from

Implies softening the impact of something harmful.

keep them safe from

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

FAQs

What does "shield them from" mean?

The phrase "shield them from" means to protect someone or something from harm, danger, or an unpleasant experience. It implies creating a barrier or providing cover to prevent exposure to something negative.

How can I use "shield them from" in a sentence?

You can use "shield them from" to describe efforts to protect someone or something. For example: "The government implemented new regulations to shield consumers "from fraud"" or "Parents often try to shield their children "from the harsh realities" of the world."

What are some alternatives to "shield them from"?

Alternatives to "shield them from" include "protect them from", "guard them from", "defend them against", or "shelter them from". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of protection being described.

Is there a difference between "shield them from" and "protect them from"?

While "shield them from" and "protect them from" are similar, "shield" often implies a more comprehensive or preventative measure. "Protect" can refer to actions taken after a threat has emerged, while "shield" suggests creating a barrier to prevent the threat from reaching them in the first place.