to preserve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to preserve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of maintaining or protecting something in its original state or condition. Example: "The organization aims to preserve the natural habitat for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We want to preserve that".

The New York Times

Or to preserve your day.

The New York Times

Set up reserves to preserve important habitat.

The Economist

(c) fight to preserve historical relics.

The New Yorker

"We're trying to preserve our neighborhoods".

The New York Times

We urge you to preserve it.

The Guardian

He did try to preserve that heritage.

The New York Times

"It's a formidable challenge to preserve".

The New Yorker

Brussels is fighting to preserve Belgium.

The New Yorker

Others also want to preserve commerce.

The New York Times

"We wanted to preserve that artistic character".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to preserve", ensure that the object you are preserving is clearly defined. For example, specify whether you aim "to preserve historical buildings", "to preserve cultural traditions", or "to preserve natural resources."

Common error

Avoid using "to preserve" in overly broad or abstract contexts without specifying what is being preserved. For example, instead of saying "We need to preserve things", specify "We need to preserve our cultural heritage" or "We need to preserve endangered species" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to preserve" functions as an infinitive of purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to preserve" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to express the intention of maintaining, protecting, or conserving something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in wiki articles and scientific publications. When using "to preserve", it's important to clearly define what is being preserved to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like ""to maintain"", ""to conserve"", or ""to safeguard"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to maintain

Highlights a sense of continuation

so as to safeguard

Similar to protecting, but suggests a more preventative approach against potential threats.

in order to conserve

Focuses specifically on careful management and use of resources.

with a view to conserving

Expresses the aim of careful management and conservation of resources or heritage.

to keep intact

Focuses on maintaining the completeness and original condition of something.

in an effort to conserve

Highlights the active attempt to avoid loss or waste.

with the intention of protecting

Emphasizes the proactive aim of safeguarding something from harm.

for the sake of maintaining

Highlights the reason or purpose behind keeping something in its current state.

for the purpose of retaining

Emphasizes the goal of keeping something in one's possession or memory.

to ensure the survival of

Focuses on guaranteeing the continued existence or viability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "to preserve" in a sentence?

Use "to preserve" to indicate an action taken to maintain something in its original or existing state. For instance, "The museum works hard "to preserve" ancient artifacts" or "It is important "to preserve" our cultural heritage".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to preserve"?

Alternatives to "to preserve" include "to maintain", "to conserve", "to protect", "to safeguard", and "to retain". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "to preserve" over "to protect"?

"To preserve" is best used when emphasizing the maintenance of something in its original state, while "to protect" focuses on shielding something from harm or damage. For example, you might "to preserve" historical documents but "to protect" a species from extinction.

Is there a difference between using "to preserve" and "to conserve"?

While both terms relate to maintaining something, "to preserve" often implies keeping something intact and unchanged, whereas "to conserve" suggests using resources carefully to avoid waste or depletion. You might "to preserve" a historical building but "to conserve" water.