to be prevented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be prevented" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that someone or something is taking steps to stop something from happening. For example, "The town council has implemented new regulations to be prevented from further flooding in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One that needs to be prevented to the most extent possible, and planned for in case prevention is not possible.

Forbes

That is the constitutional crisis which needs to be prevented".

The Guardian

Some things may not be able to be prevented.

The New York Times

They have to be prevented from using physical force.

Independent

To assure reversible behavior, solution wetting inside the gold/glass seal had to be prevented.

Electrochimica Acta

This phenomenon, called biofouling, has many detrimental effects and has to be prevented.

Electrochimica Acta

"Grexit has to be prevented," said Jean Asselborn, the Luxembourg foreign minister.

The Guardian - Business

Insurers have to be prevented from creaming off low-risk customers into separate markets.

The New Yorker

Does he want every business executive to be prevented from participating in the electoral process?

The New York Times

The simply supported shell edges are assumed to be prevented from in-plane motions.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

And audience members had to be prevented from getting on the frequency being used.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be prevented", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what actions are being taken or should be taken to avert the unwanted outcome. For example, 'Stronger regulations are needed "to be prevented" from polluting the river.'

Common error

Avoid using "to be prevented" in overly passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead, specify who or what is doing the preventing for greater clarity. For example, instead of 'Mistakes need "to be prevented",' write 'Managers must prevent mistakes.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be prevented" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a purpose or necessity. It typically follows a verb or noun indicating an action that needs to be avoided or stopped. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be prevented" is a versatile phrase used to express the necessity of stopping or avoiding something undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what is "to be prevented" and consider using stronger, more direct verbs when appropriate. Alternatives such as "to be averted" or "to be avoided" can provide subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be averted

Focuses on avoiding something, often something negative or dangerous.

to be avoided

Implies steering clear of something undesirable.

to be stopped

A more direct way of saying something should not happen.

to be halted

Suggests a more forceful or immediate stopping of something.

to be forestalled

Emphasizes acting in advance to prevent something.

to be precluded

Indicates making something impossible to happen.

to be warded off

Suggests defending against something unwanted.

to be guarded against

Highlights the need for vigilance to prevent something.

to be kept at bay

Implies maintaining a distance to prevent something from affecting you.

to be checked

Suggests limiting or controlling something to prevent it from escalating.

FAQs

How can I use "to be prevented" in a sentence?

Use "to be prevented" to indicate that something undesirable should be stopped or averted. For example, "Steps must be taken "to be prevented" from escalating."

What are some alternatives to "to be prevented"?

You can use alternatives like "to be averted", "to be avoided", or "to be stopped" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to be prevented" or "to prevent"?

"To be prevented" is a passive construction, while "to prevent" is active. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action being stopped or the agent doing the stopping. For example, “Action needs "to be prevented"” vs “One needs to prevent action”.

What's the difference between "to be prevented" and "preventable"?

"To be prevented" describes an action that should be stopped, while "preventable" describes something capable of being stopped. For example, “The incident was "to be prevented" through better security” vs “The incident was preventable with better security.”