this was preventable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was preventable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an event or situation that could have been avoided with different actions or decisions. Example: "The accident occurred due to a lack of safety measures; this was preventable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He added: "I said right from the start that this wasn't an accident, this was preventable.

The Guardian

"This was preventable," said Eric S. Kastango, president of Clinical IQ, a consulting firm that counsels compounding pharmacies.

The New York Times - Health

Do you think this was preventable with technology or education?

Forbes

This was preventable.

Los Angeles Times

The one moment everything is okay, and the next the baby is dead, and then they wonder if this was preventable.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is preventable.

The Washington Post

So much of this is preventable.

The New York Times

This is preventable disease, said Gillian Reeves, lead author of the study published in the journal BMC Medicine.

The Guardian

It's not right that so many more people are now being referred to foodbanks due to problems with welfare, especially as much of this is preventable".

The Guardian

For me, the anger and sorrow come later, as I reflect on the statistics that tell us that accidents like this are preventable.

The New York Times

Experts say much of this is preventable with health checks and better education - something the Department of Health says it is tackling.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was preventable" when you want to emphasize that an undesirable outcome occurred due to negligence, oversight, or failure to implement necessary precautions.

Common error

Avoid using "this was preventable" if the outcome was influenced by unforeseeable circumstances or factors beyond reasonable control. Overstating preventability can lead to unfair blame or unrealistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was preventable" functions as an assessment or judgment regarding a past event. It asserts that the outcome could have been avoided, often implying a failure in planning, execution, or foresight. Ludwig AI confirm that is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was preventable" is a phrase used to express that an event could have been avoided through different actions or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While relatively uncommon, its impact lies in its assertive nature, assigning responsibility and urging for improved future actions. Related phrases include "this could have been avoided" and "this was avoidable". When using the phrase, ensure the preventability is substantiated by evidence and that overstating it is avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this could have been avoided

Replaces the verb "was preventable" with "could have been avoided", focusing on the possibility of avoidance.

this was avoidable

Simplifies the phrase by using the adjective "avoidable" instead of "preventable".

this didn't have to happen

Emphasizes that the event was not a necessary outcome.

this could have been averted

Uses "averted" to suggest a more forceful prevention of the event.

this was needless

Indicates the event was unnecessary and should not have occurred.

this was unnecessary

Similar to "needless", but emphasizes the lack of necessity.

this was uncalled for

Suggests the event was inappropriate or unjustified.

measures could have prevented this

Shifts the focus to the availability of preventive measures.

this was forestallable

A more formal way of saying it could have been prevented beforehand.

with foresight, this could have been prevented

Highlights the importance of planning and anticipation in preventing the event.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "this was preventable" in a sentence?

Use "this was preventable" to express that an event could have been avoided with the right actions or precautions. For example, "The accident occurred due to a lack of safety measures; "this was preventable"."

What phrases are similar to "this was preventable"?

Similar phrases include "this could have been avoided", "this was avoidable", or "this didn't have to happen", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "this was preventable" in formal writing?

Yes, "this was preventable" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing reports, investigations, or analyses where identifying and addressing potential oversights is important. However, be sure to provide context and evidence to support your claim.

What is the difference between "this was preventable" and "this could have been prevented"?

"This was preventable" asserts the event's avoidability as a fact, while "this could have been prevented" suggests a possibility or potential. The former implies a stronger degree of certainty regarding the preventability of the event.