significant deterrent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant deterrent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that effectively discourages or prevents a particular action or behavior. Example: "The high penalties for speeding serve as a significant deterrent to reckless driving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While some scholars disagree, the retired justice is also persuasive that execution serves no "significant deterrent purposes," especially since long delays in many executions undermine any potential for deterrence.

The New York Times

This was a significant deterrent.

The New York Times

"It's to set a significant deterrent for corrupt activity," Mr. DeFronzo said.

The New York Times

"The mere act of authentication will be a very significant deterrent," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

But he nonetheless concluded that "the death penalty undoubtedly is a significant deterrent".

The New York Times

According to organizational research, the most significant deterrent to corporate crime is publicity.

The New York Times

We knew that the two of them would provide a significant deterrent".

The New York Times - Sports

"This policy will have a significant deterrent effect on those thinking of traveling here without a well-founded case".

The New York Times

Julius Genachowski, the F.C.C. chairman, said the settlement "will serve as a significant deterrent to others in the future".

The New York Times - Tech

It also represented a significant deterrent, as breaching an Asbo was a crime that could land an offender in prison.

Independent

At the time, Witanhurst was so dilapidated that it was the subject of several official complaints from the local council a significant deterrent to an international buyer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant deterrent", ensure the context clearly establishes what action is being discouraged and why it is important to prevent it.

Common error

Avoid using "significant deterrent" when the effect is merely a minor inconvenience. The term implies a substantial impact on decision-making or behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant deterrent" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "deterrent". It describes something that effectively discourages or prevents a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant deterrent" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that effectively discourages an action or behavior. Ludwig AI validates this, showing frequent use in news, science, and business contexts. While alternatives like "major disincentive" or "substantial impediment" exist, "significant deterrent" remains a strong and versatile choice. Remember to use it when the deterrent effect is genuinely substantial and relevant to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major disincentive

Replaces "deterrent" with "disincentive", focusing on the discouraging aspect.

substantial impediment

Substitutes "deterrent" with "impediment", emphasizing the hindering effect.

considerable obstacle

Uses "obstacle" instead of "deterrent", highlighting the obstructive nature.

powerful discouragement

Replaces "deterrent" with a more descriptive term, focusing on the act of discouraging.

serious hindrance

Emphasizes the inhibiting effect using "hindrance" as a substitute for "deterrent".

strong preventative measure

Focuses on the preventative aspect rather than the discouraging one.

notable curb

Highlights the restraining or limiting effect.

marked restraint

Stresses the controlling or restricting aspect.

chief preventive factor

Points to the key element in prevention.

primary check

Indicates the main controlling mechanism.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant deterrent" to describe something that effectively discourages an action. For example, "The threat of a large fine served as a "significant deterrent" to illegal dumping".

What are some alternatives to "significant deterrent"?

Alternatives include "major disincentive", "substantial impediment", or "considerable obstacle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "significant deterrent" or "major deterrent"?

"Significant deterrent" and "major deterrent" are both acceptable, but "significant" often implies a more measurable or impactful effect than "major".

Can "significant deterrent" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While "significant deterrent" is suitable for formal writing, in informal contexts, simpler phrases like "big turn-off" or "strong discouragement" might be more appropriate.