to protect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to protect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions taken to safeguard someone or something from harm or danger. Example: "The organization aims to protect endangered species through conservation efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To protect the innocent?

The New York Times - Books

To protect your bones?

The New York Times

"To protect each other".

The New York Times

(a) to protect life.

The New Yorker

"To protect my family".

The New York Times

Hope to protect my job".

Independent

But most importantly, to protect.

The New York Times

"We're here to protect you".

The New Yorker

She wanted to protect Norbert.

The New Yorker

He's trying to protect himself".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Popular-To protect you.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to protect", clearly define what is being protected and from what threat. This adds clarity and strengthens the purpose of the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "to protect" in overly broad statements without specifying the object of protection. Instead, specify what you are protecting and from what. For example, instead of saying "We need to protect the environment", specify "We need to protect the environment from pollution through sustainable practices."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to protect" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI indicates this is a common and grammatically correct construction. It's often used to introduce a clause explaining the goal of safeguarding something or someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to protect" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the intention to safeguard something from harm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, including news, business, and general writing. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define what is being protected and from what threat. Alternatives such as "to safeguard", "to defend", and "to shield" offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to safeguard

Emphasizes preventing harm or loss.

to defend

Implies active resistance against an attack or threat.

to shield

Suggests creating a barrier against something harmful.

to guard

Focuses on vigilance and preventing unauthorized access or harm.

to preserve

Highlights maintaining something in its original condition.

to secure

Indicates making something safe and stable.

to conserve

Implies careful management to prevent depletion or damage.

to watch over

Suggests careful and attentive supervision for safety.

to take care of

Implies responsibility and active effort in ensuring well-being.

to look after

Similar to "take care of" but with a stronger sense of personal attention.

FAQs

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

Use "to protect" to indicate an action taken to keep someone or something safe from harm or danger. For example, "The company implemented new security measures "to protect" sensitive data".

What are some alternatives to "to protect"?

You can use alternatives like "to safeguard", "to defend", or "to shield" depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "to protect from" or "to protect against"?

Both "to protect from" and "to protect against" are correct and often interchangeable. "To protect from" is generally used for tangible threats, while "to protect against" can be used for more abstract or potential threats. Choose the one that sounds more natural in your specific context.

Is it redundant to say "protect and defend"?

While both words imply safeguarding, "protect" generally suggests preventing harm, while "defend" implies actively resisting an attack. Using both can emphasize a comprehensive approach to security but can be redundant in many contexts depending on sentence meaning.