so as to preclude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so as to preclude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the intention of preventing something from happening. Example: "The company implemented strict security measures so as to preclude any data breaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The situation presented here, however, is sufficiently different from that giving rise to the traditional Ex parte Young action so as to preclude the availability of that doctrine.

Cornell University

We dropped enormous amounts of money into slot machines, which were rigged so as to preclude even a statistical possibility of our winning.

The New Yorker

Sexual relations were permissible as long as there was mutual agreement and as long as men practiced continence so as to preclude pregnancy.

Britannica

However, while schools were rare under piers they could be very large, so that abundance greatly exceeded mean open water abundance variance so as to preclude confidence in differences among piers.

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology

At the MAC layer, the framework intelligently propagates low power control messages to the higher power nodes, so as to preclude them from initiating transmissions while there are low power communications in progress within their sensing range.

Computer Networks

Environmental samples and photographs are authorized, 29 CFR § 1903.7(b) (1977), and inspections are to be performed so as "to preclude unreasonable disruption of the operations of the employer's establishment". 29 CFR § 1903.7 d) (1977).

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But the fact, of course, is that the problems involved in winning acceptance of any change as fundamental as this one would appear to be so numerous and so substantial as to preclude its further consideration by any but writers of typographical journal articles or textbooks.

Britannica

Thirty to 40 minutes is just about right for absorbing content in this way: not so long that you get really bored if it's largely review, but not so brief as to preclude interesting side-notes and in-depth discussions.

TechCrunch

That said, one should not choose a topic so advanced as to preclude any real learning.

University of California, Berkeley

But others said the decision was written so narrowly as to preclude application to almost any other case.

The New York Times

The thresholds at each tier of support are already so high as to preclude any early intervention work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so as to preclude", ensure the context clearly indicates what action is being taken to prevent a specific outcome. The phrase is most effective when the prevention is deliberate and strategic.

Common error

Avoid using "so as to preclude" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "to prevent" or "to avoid" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound stilted if overused.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "so as to preclude" is that of a purpose clause connector. It introduces a clause that explains the reason or intention behind an action, specifically to prevent something from happening. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to connect an action with its preventive purpose.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

24%

News & Media

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so as to preclude" is a formal connector used to express the intention of preventing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is common in academic, scientific, and news contexts, making it suitable for formal writing. For less formal situations, consider simpler alternatives like "to prevent" or "to avoid". Remember to ensure the context clearly indicates what action is being taken to prevent a specific outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to prevent

Focuses directly on preventing something, differing slightly in tone and structure.

with the aim of preventing

Emphasizes the intention behind preventing something.

to avert

A more concise and formal alternative, implying the avoidance of something negative.

to forestall

Suggests acting in advance to prevent something from happening.

in an effort to stop

Highlights the effort made to halt something.

so that it does not happen

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

with the intent to block

Focuses on the intention to obstruct or impede something.

for the purpose of inhibiting

A formal alternative focusing on hindering or restraining.

to make impossible

Emphasizes the effect of rendering something unachievable.

so that it cannot occur

A straightforward and less formal way of expressing prevention.

FAQs

How can I use "so as to preclude" in a sentence?

Use "so as to preclude" to indicate the purpose of an action is to prevent something. For instance, "The company implemented strict security measures "in order to prevent" any data breaches" is similar to "The company implemented strict security measures so as to preclude any data breaches."

What are some alternatives to "so as to preclude"?

Alternatives include "in order to prevent", "to avoid", "to prevent", or "to forestall", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "so as to preclude" formal or informal?

"So as to preclude" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler options like "to prevent" or "to avoid" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "so as to preclude" and "in order to prevent"?

While both phrases express the same intention of preventing something, "so as to preclude" carries a slightly more formal tone compared to "in order to prevent". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.