Trova Inglese Insegnanti
Amy
What's the different between precaution and prevention?
I always confuse "precaution" with "prevention". They are very similar in meaning, but what's different in usage?
19 set 2019 13:27
Risposte · 5
A "precaution" is something you do so that something that might happen, does not happen.
For example, putting candles out before leaving your house is a 'precaution' against starting a fire.
A "prevention" is more a specific action against something that will cause problems. If you see that a candle is setting your curtains on fire, you grab a fire extinguisher and put out the fire. That way you 'prevent' your house from burning down.
The putting out of the fire is a prevention, not a precaution, because the chain of events leading to your house burning down is already in motion and putting out the fire is the act that intends to interrupt the chain of events.
19 settembre 2019
"Precaution" is the action done IN ADVANCE to prevent something dangerous from happening.
Example: "When driving, Mark always wears his seatbelt as a precaution.".
"Prevention" is the action of stopping something from happening.
Example: "Detaching hooks are used for the prevention of accidents from over-winding.".
I hope it helps!
19 settembre 2019
A "precaution" is something you do so that something that might happen, does not happen.
For example, putting candles out before leaving your house is a 'precaution' against starting a fire.
A "prevention" is more a specific action against something that will cause problems. If you see that a candle is setting your curtains on fire, you grab a fire extinguisher and put out the fire. That way you 'prevent' your house from burning down.
The putting out of the fire is a prevention, not a precaution, because the chain of events leading to your house burning down is already in motion and putting out the fire is the act that intends to interrupt the chain of events.
19 settembre 2019
Hello,
I'd say that "precaution" means to be careful about something. "Prevention" is something done to make sure something else does not happen.
"To take precautions" would mean to put into place measures that could prevent something.
Hope that helps.
Best,
Martha
19 settembre 2019
Non hai ancora trovato le tue risposte?
Scrivi le tue domande e lascia che i madrelingua ti aiutino!
Amy
Competenze linguistiche
Cinese (mandarino), Inglese
Lingua di apprendimento
Inglese
Altri articoli che potrebbero piacerti

Speak More Fluently with This Simple Technique
9 consensi · 2 Commenti

How to Read and Understand a Business Contract in English
16 consensi · 3 Commenti

6 Ways italki Can Help You Succeed in Your School Language Classes
12 consensi · 7 Commenti
Altri articoli