以防……

yǐfáng...

in case... (以防……)

以防 means “in case / to prevent.” It is used before a possible risk that one wants to guard against.

Anchor example

请提前备份文件，以防数据丢失。

Qǐng tíqián bèifèn wénjiàn, yǐfáng shùjù diūshī.

Please back up the files in advance in case the data is lost.

HSK 6

1 structures

15 exercises

Lesson summary

Read the sample sentence and notice how 以防…… works in the frame: A，以防 B.

Explanation

以防 is followed by an undesirable possibility such as 数据丢失, 发生意外, 下雨. It is broader than 以免造成, which specifically means avoiding causing a negative consequence.

Structure Patterns

1 structures

Grammar pattern

A，以防 B

states a preventive purpose against a possible risk

请提前备份文件，以防数据丢失。

Qǐng tíqián bèifèn wénjiàn, yǐfáng shùjù diūshī.

Please back up the files in advance in case the data is lost.

Common Mistakes

Using 以免造成 when no “causing” relation is meant.Use 以防 for general prevention.
Using it for a positive result.以防 introduces a risk to prevent.

Usage Notes

Preventive purpose.
Often after 请/要/提前.
Followed by possible risk.

Practice

15 exercises

1 / 15

Fill in the blank:

请提前备份文件，____数据丢失。

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