Protect Something from Doing Something

A Practical Guide to This Common English Structure

What Does It Mean?

The phrase "protect [something] from [doing something]" is used to describe actions taken to prevent harm, damage, or unwanted change to a person, object, or idea.

Note: Technically, we usually say "protect something from being [verb-ed]" or "protect someone from [noun/gerund]". The exact form "protect from doing" is rare—more often it's "protect from harm", "damage", or "negative actions".

Correct Usage & Examples

We installed antivirus software to protect our computer from being infected.

Sunscreen helps protect your skin from getting burned.

The helmet protected his head from injury.

Laws are designed to protect citizens from unfair treatment.

Common Mistakes

❌ Incorrect: "Protect the files from delete."

✅ Correct: "Protect the files from being deleted."

❌ Incorrect: "This app protects your phone from hack."

✅ Correct: "This app protects your phone from being hacked."

Quick Quiz

Which sentence is grammatically correct?