Learn Finnish: Varotoimenpiteen ansiosta selvisimme. - Thanks to the precautionary measure, we survived.

Ansiosta comes from the noun ansio, meaning merit or earning. Because of this, it always carries a positive, grateful connotation, matching the English phrase thanks to. Vuoksi and johdosta generally translate to because of or due to and are neutral or sometimes negative. Since surviving is a positive outcome, ansiosta is the most natural choice here.

The word varotoimenpiteen is quite long. How does it break down?

It is the genitive form of the compound word varotoimenpide. This is built from varo (caution or warning) and toimenpide (measure, procedure, or action). Notice the consonant gradation at the end: the d in -pide changes to t in the genitive form -piteen, creating varotoimenpiteen.

Does the base verb selvitä always mean to survive?

Not always, though that is a very common meaning when talking about accidents or hardships, as in selvisimme. It can also mean to clear up, like the weather, or to find something out or resolve something. For example, Asia selvisi means the matter was resolved or the truth came out.

Can the word ansiosta be placed before the noun it modifies?