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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I'm trying to avoid

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I'm trying to avoid sweetness".

I'm trying to avoid hurt feelings here.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Well, you see I'm trying to avoid answering that question".

"I'm trying to avoid the stereotype," he explained.

News & Media

The New York Times

But I'm trying to avoid posting anything else.

"I'm trying to avoid funny bits," he grimaces.

News & Media

The Guardian
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was those five English I was trying to avoid".

News & Media

Independent

"I was trying to avoid a catfight," Ms. Harper said.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I was trying to avoid being a Marlene Dietrich-like clone.

News & Media

Independent

"I am trying to avoid talking about dying, because it would upset my family.

News & Media

Independent

Indonesia demanded the kind of planning I was trying to avoid.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this expression when you want to emphasize the effort and process of avoidance rather than just the state of it.

Common error

A common mistake is using an infinitive after the main verb 'avoid'. You should say "I'm trying to avoid making mistakes" instead of "I'm trying to avoid to make mistakes". Always use the gerund form for verbs that follow 'avoid'.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm trying to avoid" functions as a present continuous verb phrase that signals a current, ongoing effort. It consists of the subject "I", the auxiliary "am" (contracted to "'m"), the present participle "trying" and the infinitive "to avoid". According to Ludwig AI, this structure typically prefaces a noun or gerund to define the object of caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm trying to avoid" is a versatile and Very common English phrase used to denote intentional action toward prevention. Analysis of the data in Ludwig shows that it is a staple of high-quality journalism, appearing in over 50 examples from top-tier sources like The New York Times. The phrase is grammatically standard and effective for both personal and professional communication. Writers should remember that 'avoid' always takes a gerund rather than an infinitive, making "avoid doing" the only correct pairing. Whether discussing dietary habits, political neutralities or spoilers in a review, this phrase serves as a reliable tool for expressing current efforts toward a specific goal.

FAQs

How to use "I'm trying to avoid" in a sentence?

You can use "I'm trying to avoid" followed by a noun or a gerund. For example: "I'm trying to avoid processed foods" or "I'm trying to avoid "getting into trouble"".

What can I say instead of "I'm trying to avoid"?

Depending on your tone, you could use "aiming to avoid", "seeking to avoid" or the more casual "trying to steer clear of".

Which is correct, "I'm trying to avoid doing" or "I'm trying to avoid to do"?

The correct form is "I'm trying to avoid doing". In English, the verb 'avoid' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), so you should always use "avoid doing".

What is the difference between "I'm trying to avoid" and "I'm seeking to avoid"?

"I'm trying to avoid" is the standard, neutral way to express effort. In contrast, "seeking to avoid" is more formal and is commonly found in business or legal contexts.

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Source & Trust

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: