What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
precaution
Example
Wearing a helmet is a necessary precaution when riding a bike. [precaution: noun]
Example
He took the precaution of locking all the doors before leaving the house. [precaution: noun]
preventative
Example
Vaccinations are a preventative measure against certain diseases. [preventative: adjective]
Example
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can be preventative measures against heart disease. [preventative: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Precaution is more commonly used than preventative in everyday language. Precaution is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while preventative is often used in the context of health and disease prevention.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between precaution and preventative?
Both precaution and preventative are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in professional or academic settings. However, precaution may be slightly more common in informal contexts as well.
