take precautionary measures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take precautionary measures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is taken to avoid potential risks or dangers. For example, "The government is strongly encouraging businesses to take precautionary measures to protect their employees from the spread of COVID-19."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I understand they have to take precautionary measures".

The New York Times

"This underlines for us the need to take precautionary measures".

The New York Times

It would be better to take precautionary measures".

The New York Times

Tornado warnings are also now more reliable, enabling more communities to take precautionary measures.

The Guardian

had urged the Honduran government to take "precautionary measures" for her security.

The New Yorker

"Thus," he said, "we judged that investors and counterparties had had time to take precautionary measures".

The New York Times

called on the Honduran government to take "precautionary measures" for her security.

The New Yorker

As a result, people often take precautionary measures to circumvent evil attempts at harming them.

Britannica

"The cabinet has decided to take precautionary measures in order to guarantee social peace," Mr. Sama said in his statement.

The New York Times

The Inter-American Commission on hadan Rights (I.A.C.H.R). had urged the Honduran government to take "precautionary measures" for her security.

The New Yorker

Monitoring and analysis of ground conditions during the construction is also essential to allow the operator to take precautionary measures in adverse geological conditions.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take precautionary measures", ensure the context clearly indicates the potential risk or danger being addressed. Be specific about what actions are being taken to mitigate the risk.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "We will take precautionary measures." Instead, specify the actual steps: "We will take precautionary measures by providing employees with masks and hand sanitizer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take precautionary measures" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action. It describes the act of implementing specific steps to prevent potential harm or adverse outcomes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically sound and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take precautionary measures" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for describing actions intended to prevent potential harm or risks. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the actual steps being taken and the potential risks being addressed. Alternatives include "exercise caution", "adopt safety measures", and "take preventative steps". Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take preventative steps

Focuses on the specific actions taken to prevent something negative from happening; emphasizes proactivity.

adopt safety measures

Highlights the implementation of safety protocols or procedures to minimize danger.

exercise caution

Emphasizes a careful and prudent approach to avoid potential risks; less specific about the actions taken.

implement safeguards

Suggests the establishment of protective mechanisms or barriers to ensure safety.

take proactive steps

Similar to preventative steps but emphasizes acting in advance to control a future situation.

apply preventative actions

Focuses on specific actions aimed at preventing an undesirable outcome; more formal.

institute preventative measures

Highlights the formal establishment of measures intended to prevent problems.

take protective action

Emphasizes actions taken to shield from harm or danger; direct and decisive.

act with prudence

Stresses the quality of being careful and wise in decision-making and actions.

apply security protocols

Focuses on the application of specific security-related procedures to ensure safety.

FAQs

How can I use "take precautionary measures" in a sentence?

You can use "take precautionary measures" to describe actions intended to prevent potential harm. For example, "The company decided to "take precautionary measures" by investing in cybersecurity training for all employees."

What are some alternatives to "take precautionary measures"?

Alternatives include "exercise caution", "adopt safety measures", or "take preventative steps" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "take precautionary measures" and "take preventive measures"?

The terms "take precautionary measures" and "take preventive measures" are often used interchangeably. However, "precautionary" might imply a more general approach to mitigating risks, while "preventive" focuses specifically on stopping something from happening.

When is it appropriate to use "take precautionary measures"?

It's appropriate to use "take precautionary measures" when describing actions taken to avoid or minimize potential risks or dangers in various situations, such as health, safety, or security.