take precautions against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take precautions against" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to caution someone to be on guard against a certain danger or risk. Example: "We must take precautions against the spread of Covid-19 by practicing social distancing and wearing face masks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

As a consequence, young blacks see no reason to take precautions against infection.

The Economist

The smartest of the great Russians know to take precautions against being co-opted by the Kremlin after death.

The New Yorker

"The public should remain vigilant, and take precautions against strong winds and flooding as early as possible".

The New York Times

They urged people in Lyme-plagued states to take precautions against the ticks that spread the disease.

The New York Times

Of course, we should do what we can to take precautions against diseases, and to keep food safe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dr. Cohen urged all New Yorkers to take precautions against mosquitoes, including wearing long sleeves at dusk and dawn.

The New York Times

Some of his aides suggested that Russian officers might face criminal prosecution for failing to take precautions against an attack.

The New York Times

While they still take precautions against radiation, most of the survivors share a budding, though perhaps premature, optimism that the worst of the nuclear crisis is over.

The New York Times

A mysterious disease that causes internal bleeding killed three people in South Africa over the weekend, prompting health officials to take precautions against any further contagion.

The New York Times

Even as Mr. Geithner was counseling banks to take precautions against adversity, some economists were arguing that easy credit was feeding a more obvious problem: a housing bubble.

The New York Times

Although she said she was convinced that Beijing will be ready for the Games, Kastor was still planning to take precautions against any possible pollution.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "take precautions against" something, be specific about the actions they should take. For example, instead of saying "take precautions against the flu", say "take precautions against the flu by getting a flu shot and washing your hands frequently".

Common error

Avoid implying that "taking precautions against" something guarantees complete protection. Instead, emphasize that precautions reduce the risk or severity of the potential negative outcome, rather than eliminating it entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take precautions against" primarily functions as a verb phrase, used to recommend or advise actions aimed at preventing or mitigating potential harm or negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate and commonly used in written English. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take precautions against" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression that advises preventative actions against potential dangers. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register and serves to inform and persuade individuals to mitigate risks. When using this phrase, specificity and realistic expectations of its effectiveness are crucial. Remember to consider semantically similar alternatives like "take steps against" or "guard against", and tailor your choice to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take steps against

Focuses on the action of implementing measures rather than the preparation.

take measures against

Similar to 'take steps,' but suggests a more formal or systematic approach.

take actions against

Emphasizes the act of doing something to counter a potential threat.

guard against

Implies vigilance and protection from something negative.

protect oneself from

Highlights personal safety and defense from a specific danger.

shield oneself from

Suggests creating a barrier or defense against something harmful.

defend against

Focuses on active defense and resistance to an impending threat.

be vigilant against

Emphasizes the need for constant awareness and alertness to prevent something.

mitigate the risk of

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of a potential risk.

safeguard against

Suggests protecting something valuable from potential harm or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "take precautions against" in a sentence?

Use "take precautions against" to advise someone to protect themselves from a potential danger or threat. For example, "Travelers should "take precautions against" mosquito bites by using insect repellent."

What are some alternatives to "take precautions against"?

You can use alternatives like "take steps against", "guard against", or "protect oneself from" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "take precautions against" or "take action against"?

"Take precautions against" emphasizes preventative measures, while "take action against" suggests a response to an existing problem. The best choice depends on whether you're focusing on prevention or response.

What kind of things should I "take precautions against"?

You can "take precautions against" anything that poses a potential risk, such as diseases, accidents, natural disasters, or even financial losses.