take precautionary steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take precautionary steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing measures taken to prevent potential problems or dangers. Example: "To ensure the safety of our employees, we must take precautionary steps before resuming operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In Colorado, despite a statewide campaign to get everyone to take precautionary steps, only 33 of the state's 64 counties have voluntarily developed fire plans, which in most cases require the use of fire-retardant building materials.

The New York Times

For this reason it is critical that all members take precautionary steps to avoid physical contact with students except where it is needed and in accordance with board policy (ETFO, 2011).

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

In Andhra Pradesh heart disease was the leading cause of mortality accounting for 32%of all deaths, a rate as high as Canada (35%) and USA.Hence there is a need to define a decision support system that helps clinicians decide to take precautionary steps.

Procedia Technology

In order to gauge the motivation of individuals to take precautionary steps to reduce climate risks we explored options for mitigation and adaptation.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

However, if there is a causal relationship between exposure to DBPs and childhood asthma, failing to take precautionary steps may lead to new-onset asthma.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Take precautionary steps when you open up your laptop by removing static electricity from your body.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

And while the fledgling field of online psychiatry has yet to yield any documented disasters, some Web sites have taken precautionary steps to prevent crises like suicides.

The New York Times

"Over all, what we are doing is taking precautionary steps out of an abundance of caution to protect our people and our facilities and visitors to those facilities overseas".

The New York Times

In part, he acknowledges, that's because he has been through economic hard times before as the proprietor of three other longtime Hudson Valley restaurants, and has taken precautionary steps.

The New York Times

The tense bargaining, coming as executive branch agencies took precautionary steps in preparation for closing down after Friday, demonstrated how crucially both sides view the outcome of this budget fight in shaping the ground rules for larger struggles to come over fiscal issues.

The New York Times

As individuals, organizations and government agencies, we're taking precautionary steps to protect ourselves against malware that can encrypt files beyond our reach.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potential risks, follow the phrase "take precautionary steps" with a clear explanation of what those steps entail to provide specific and actionable information.

Common error

Avoid using vague pronouns like "it" or "this" when describing the reason for taking precautionary steps. Clearly state the specific threat or danger that necessitates the precautions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take precautionary steps" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of implementing measures to prevent potential risks or dangers. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take precautionary steps" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, denoting the act of implementing measures to avert potential risks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard phrase suitable for various contexts, though it appears more frequently in news, scientific, and general informational content. Alternatives such as "take preventive measures" or "exercise caution" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the steps taken and the risks being addressed to provide actionable and informative content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take preventive measures

Focuses specifically on actions aimed at preventing something negative from happening.

take proactive steps

Highlights actions taken to control a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.

exercise caution

Emphasizes carefulness and prudence in one's actions or decisions.

implement safety precautions

Highlights the implementation of specific safety measures.

anticipate and prevent

Focuses on foreseeing potential problems and preventing them from occurring.

adopt a safety-first approach

Suggests prioritizing safety above all other considerations.

take protective measures

Focuses on measures designed to shield or defend against harm.

err on the side of caution

Suggests choosing the more conservative or careful option when uncertain.

mitigate risks

Emphasizes reducing or alleviating potential risks.

play it safe

An informal way of saying to avoid risks.

FAQs

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

You can use "take precautionary steps" to describe actions taken to prevent potential problems or dangers. For example, "To ensure the safety of our employees, we must "take precautionary steps" before resuming operations."

What are some alternatives to "take precautionary steps"?

Alternatives include "take preventive measures", "exercise caution", or "implement safety precautions" depending on the context.

Is "take precautionary steps" formal or informal?

"Take precautionary steps" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "adopt a safety-first approach" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

When is it most appropriate to use "take precautionary steps"?

It is appropriate to use "take precautionary steps" when you want to emphasize the proactive nature of actions taken to avoid potential negative outcomes. If the actions are specifically related to safety, you might prefer "implement safety precautions".