to take precautions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to take precautions" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to do something in advance to prevent negative consequences or potential harm. Example: Before going on a hike, it is important to take precautions such as bringing enough water and wearing proper hiking shoes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They began to take precautions.

The New York Times

We had to take precautions.

The Guardian

The university had to take precautions.

The Washington Post

It also helps to take precautions against chatter.

Applied Soft Computing

He tried to take precautions, and clear the streets.

The New York Times

How to take precautions to avoids such disease.

Harvard University

But men are less apt to take precautions.

The New York Times - Health

Prison officials believe they have reasons to take precautions.

The New York Times

We do know we need to take precautions.

The New York Times

Treasury and Fed officials have begun to take precautions.

The New York Times

In response, American embassies were warned to take precautions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks, follow "to take precautions" with specific examples of actions. For instance, "To take precautions against identity theft, use strong passwords and monitor your credit report regularly."

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "taking precautions" without specifying what those precautions are. Instead of saying "It's important to take precautions", be specific: "It's important to take precautions by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to take precautions" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a verb complement or an adverbial modifier, expressing the act of implementing measures to avert potential negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to take precautions" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that advises proactive measures to mitigate potential risks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the actual precautions being taken for clarity. Alternatives such as "take preventative measures" or "implement safety measures" can add nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take preventative measures

Directly focuses on actions taken to avert potential negative outcomes.

implement safety measures

Focuses on the active implementation of specific safety protocols.

employ protective steps

Emphasizes the practical use of specific actions designed for protection.

exercise preventative care

Emphasizes a proactive approach to maintaining well-being and avoiding potential problems.

introduce safety procedures

Highlights the implementation of new or existing protocols designed to ensure safety.

adopt protective strategies

Highlights the development and use of strategic methods for protection.

apply risk mitigation techniques

Focuses on the technical application of methods to lessen potential risks.

initiate safeguard protocols

Implies the formal commencement of established safety procedures.

ensure security provisions

Highlights the act of guaranteeing necessary security arrangements are in place.

institute preventive actions

Refers to the formal establishment of proactive measures to prevent harm.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "to take precautions" in a sentence?

You can use "to take precautions" to indicate proactive measures against potential risks. For example: "It's crucial to "take measures" to protect your data from cyber threats."

What are some alternatives to saying "to take precautions"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "take preventative measures", "implement safety measures", or "exercise preventative care".

Is it better to say "take precaution" or "take precautions"?

"Take precaution" is grammatically incorrect. "Precautions" is a plural noun, so the correct phrasing is "to take precautions".

What is the difference between "to take precautions" and "to be cautious"?

"To take precautions" refers to specific actions taken in advance to prevent something negative, while "to be cautious" is a general attitude of being careful and aware of potential dangers. "To take precautions" often stems from "to be cautious".