the safest course of action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the safest course of action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the most secure or risk-averse option in a given situation. Example: "Given the unpredictable weather conditions, taking shelter indoors is the safest course of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's certainly the safest course of action.

The New York Times - Travel

"The safest course of action is to assume your e-mail is being monitored," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

For an industry burned by risk, building variations of existing tract housing may seem the safest course of action.

Los Angeles Times

For the Education Department, the safest course is to keep Mr. Abdalla out of schools.

The New York Times

She feels this is the safest course.

The New Yorker

The staff will help you determine what your safest course of action is at this time.

WikiHow

The safer course, it was decided, would be to bring a group of athletes to China.

The New York Times

We are approaching the 25th anniversary of the 1987 crash, when many Nasdaq market makers panicked and decided that the safer course was to not answer their phones.

The New York Times

Therefore, decreasing the expression of these toxins prior to bacterial eradication may provide a safer course of therapy.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Conclusion: TMS at the stimulation frequencies used seems to be safe over a course of 5000 stimuli.

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry

In the course of yesterday [Aug.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When faced with uncertainty, explicitly state why choosing "the safest course of action" is important for clarity and to reassure stakeholders about risk management.

Common error

While "the safest course of action" is a valid expression, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Opt for synonyms like "most prudent approach" or "most secure option" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the safest course of action" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating that it follows standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the safest course of action" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strategy that minimizes risk. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and applicability in various contexts. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it appears most frequently in news and media sources, reflecting its use in discussing decisions where security is a key concern. For variety, alternatives like "the most prudent approach" or "the most secure option" can be used. When employing the phrase, ensure it's clear why prioritizing safety is important in the given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most secure option

Focuses directly on the aspect of security and minimizing risk.

the least risky alternative

Emphasizes the avoidance of potential dangers or negative outcomes.

the best precautionary measure

Highlights preventive actions taken to ensure safety.

the most prudent approach

Emphasizes wisdom and careful consideration in the decision-making process.

the most secure route

Implies a path or method that ensures a higher level of safety and protection.

the most cautious approach

Highlights the need for vigilance and careful steps.

the wisest course to take

Highlights the intelligence and good judgement involved in selecting a particular path.

the most conservative strategy

Focuses on minimizing potential losses by adhering to established, safe practices.

the safest bet

Uses a more informal idiom to suggest a choice with a high probability of success and low risk.

playing it safe

An idiomatic expression meaning to avoid risks.

FAQs

How can I use "the safest course of action" in a sentence?

You can use "the safest course of action" to describe a decision-making process where security and risk minimization are primary concerns. For example: "Given the unpredictable weather conditions, taking shelter indoors is "the safest course of action"".

What are some alternatives to "the safest course of action"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the most secure option", "the most prudent approach", or "the least risky alternative", each offering a slightly different nuance in emphasizing safety and minimizing risk.

In what situations is it best to use the phrase "the safest course of action"?

This phrase is particularly useful in situations where potential risks or negative outcomes are significant, such as in business decisions, medical treatments, or emergency planning. It's also appropriate when communicating with stakeholders who prioritize security and risk aversion.

Is "the safest course of action" always the best choice?

While "the safest course of action" minimizes immediate risk, it may not always be the optimal long-term strategy. Sometimes, calculated risks can yield greater rewards. Therefore, it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks before deciding.