What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preempt
Example
The company preempted the negative publicity by issuing a statement. [preempt: verb]
Example
The politician preempted his opponent's argument by addressing it first. [preempted: past tense]
preclude
Example
The bad weather precluded any outdoor activities. [precluded: past tense]
Example
The lack of funding precludes the possibility of expanding the project. [precludes: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preclude is less common than preempt in everyday language. Preempt is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while preclude is more specific and tends to be used in more formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preempt and preclude?
Preclude is generally considered more formal than preempt. While preempt can be used in both formal and informal contexts, preclude is more commonly used in academic or professional writing.
