to neutralize this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to neutralize this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of counteracting or eliminating a particular effect, influence, or situation. Example: "In order to ensure safety, we need to neutralize this chemical reaction before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

In this work, we demonstrate that natural infection with a large variety of HCV isolates belonging to different genotypes elicits HCV/VSV pseudotype-neutralizing cross-reactive anti-envelope antibodies together with clones unable to neutralize this pseudovirus.

Virology

If Mr. Bush wants to neutralize this question, he must act before the debates this fall -- and this month's Republican National Convention provides him with the ideal opportunity.

The New York Times

So why not try to neutralize this advantage by spending money on behalf of challengers?

The New York Times

He threatened that if the two bases were completed, "We will have to take some measures to neutralize this threat".

The New York Times

If the Republican candidate can't find a way to neutralize this potential problem, he or she may well struggle to win key states like Colorado, Florida, and Nevada.

The New Yorker

To neutralize this potential threat to the crown, the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, with papal sanction, took over the administration of the order in 1489.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The use of antibodies against IL-1 or against IL-1 receptor I is another approach to neutralizing this cytokine.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Currently, the most prevalent targeted therapies in RA are the anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept, which act to neutralize the signaling of this pro-inflammatory cytokine [ 1– 4].

BMC Medical Genomics

A 25-fold concentrated AA mixture was prepared from a 100× stock solution of non-essential AA (Gibco/Invitrogen, 11140) and a 50× stock solution of essential AA (Gibco/Invitrogen, 11130) with glutamine (20 mM) and HEPES (50 mM) added and sufficient NaOH to neutralize the pH of this acidic mixture.

Autophagy

And go with natural cocoa; Dutch is processed with alkali to neutralize the natural acidity, and this destroys most of the flavonoids which are essential to the healthy aspect of the chocolate.

Huffington Post

This lysine aids in orientating the γ-phosphate of ATP and it is thought may also act to neutralize the negative charge on this phosphate during catalysis.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to neutralize this", ensure the context clearly defines what 'this' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "to neutralize this" in very casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like 'to fix this' or 'to stop this' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to neutralize this" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. According to Ludwig, it is used to indicate the intention behind an action, aiming to counteract or negate a specific effect. The pronoun "this" acts as a placeholder, referring to a previously mentioned situation or problem.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to neutralize this" is a versatile phrase used to express the intention of counteracting or negating a previously mentioned effect. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While the phrase is considered correct, it's important to ensure the context clearly defines what 'this' refers to. In more informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives. While "to mitigate this" shares a similar meaning, it suggests reducing severity rather than complete neutralization. Ludwig's examples highlight a range of uses across different domains, solidifying its place as a common and effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to counteract this

Focuses on opposing an effect, similar to neutralizing.

to offset this

Emphasizes balancing or compensating for an effect.

to negate this

Highlights the cancellation or denial of something.

to nullify this

Implies rendering something invalid or without effect.

to counteract its effects

Adds specificity by referring to the 'effects' of something.

to mitigate this

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact.

to remedy this

Implies correcting or fixing a problem.

to invalidate this

Focuses on making something without legal or factual force.

to preclude this

Emphasizes preventing something from happening.

to preclude its impact

Similar to preventing, but focuses on the impact.

FAQs

What does "to neutralize this" mean?

The phrase "to neutralize this" means to counteract or negate the effect of something previously mentioned. It implies an action taken to make something harmless or ineffective.

How can I use "to neutralize this" in a sentence?

You can use "to neutralize this" when you want to express the purpose of an action is to counteract a specific negative effect. For example, "The company implemented new policies to neutralize this potential conflict of interest."

What can I say instead of "to neutralize this"?

You can use alternatives like "to counteract this", "to offset this", or "to mitigate this" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "to mitigate this" or "to neutralize this"?

While both phrases have similar meanings, "to mitigate this" implies reducing the severity of something, whereas "to neutralize this" suggests making something completely ineffective or harmless. The best choice depends on the specific context.