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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I'm trying to avoid
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
avoid doing
refrain from doing
prevent from doing
do anything other than support
do something other than wait
doing anything other than
do nothing but focus
do nothing but
do something other than
carried anything other than
prevent doing
making anything other than
only do what is necessary
do anything except
only do
do anything different than
looking anything other than
do something other than invest
do anything other than
perform anything other than
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
51 human-written examples
"I'm trying to avoid sweetness".
News & Media
I'm trying to avoid hurt feelings here.
News & Media
"Well, you see I'm trying to avoid answering that question".
News & Media
"I'm trying to avoid the stereotype," he explained.
News & Media
But I'm trying to avoid posting anything else.
News & Media
"I'm trying to avoid funny bits," he grimaces.
News & Media
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
"I was trying to avoid a catfight," Ms. Harper said.
News & Media
"I was trying to avoid being a Marlene Dietrich-like clone.
News & Media
"I am trying to avoid talking about dying, because it would upset my family.
News & Media
Indonesia demanded the kind of planning I was trying to avoid.
News & Media
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'.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I am trying to avoid
Uses the uncontracted form for a slightly more formal tone
I am aiming to avoid
Suggests a specific goal or target rather than just an effort
I'm seeking to avoid
Adds a layer of professional intent or official effort
I'm attempting to steer clear of
Uses an idiomatic expression to emphasize physical or metaphorical distance
I want to avoid
Shifts the focus from the ongoing effort to the speaker's desire
I'm trying to prevent
Focuses more on the active stop of an event from occurring
I'm working on avoiding
Emphasizes the process and labor involved in the avoidance
I'm looking to avoid
A more informal way of expressing future-oriented intent
I'm trying to evade
Stronger connotation of escaping a pursue, duty or specific question
I'm endeavoring to avoid
Highly formal and academic alternative
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested