I avoided

USAGE SUMMARY

"I avoided" is a perfectly correct and usable sentence in written English.
Example: I avoided speaking to my ex-boyfriend at the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I avoided him".

The New York Times - Sports

I avoided his gaze.

The New York Times

"I avoided the world".

The Guardian - Opinion

I avoided the library.

The New York Times

I avoided it.

The New York Times

I avoided almost everyone.

The New York Times

"I avoided confrontation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Is avoiding text avoiding an opinion?

The New York Times

"I avoid all excess".

The New York Times

"I avoid politics".

The New York Times

I avoid the mirror.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I avoided" to clearly express a deliberate action of keeping away from something. For instance, "I avoided the rush hour traffic by leaving early."

Common error

While "avoided" is versatile, be cautious of overusing it in formal writing. Consider stronger verbs like "evaded", "circumvented", or "bypassed" for greater impact and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I avoided" primarily functions as a declarative statement, indicating a past action where the speaker intentionally steered clear of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I avoided" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that clearly expresses the action of deliberately keeping away from something. Ludwig's analysis highlights its prevalence in news and media contexts. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English. While versatile, writers should consider stronger synonyms in formal contexts for greater impact. Understanding the nuances of related phrases can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I stayed away from

Emphasizes the act of remaining at a distance, indicating a proactive effort to avoid.

I steered clear of

Implies a deliberate act of keeping away from something, often due to potential danger or unpleasantness.

I kept away from

Suggests maintaining a distance from someone or something, typically to avoid interaction or harm.

I evaded

Indicates skillful or cunning avoidance, often of something challenging or undesirable.

I bypassed

Suggests going around or circumventing something, often to save time or effort.

I shunned

Implies a deliberate and often public avoidance of someone or something, typically due to moral or social disapproval.

I dodged

Suggests quick and nimble avoidance, often of something unexpected or threatening.

I circumvented

Implies finding a way around an obstacle or difficulty, often through cleverness or ingenuity.

I gave a wide berth to

Suggests maintaining a safe distance from someone or something, often due to potential danger or unpleasantness.

I skirted around

Implies avoiding the central issue or topic, often in a diplomatic or evasive way.

FAQs

How can I use "I avoided" in a sentence?

The phrase "I avoided" indicates a deliberate action to keep away from something. For example, "I avoided the crowded streets" or "I avoided discussing politics at dinner".

What can I say instead of "I avoided"?

You can use alternatives like "I steered clear of", "I kept away from", or "I evaded" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I avoided to" do something?

No, the correct grammatical structure is "I avoided doing something". The verb "avoid" is followed by a gerund (verb ending in -ing), not an infinitive.

What's the difference between "I avoided" and "I prevented"?

"I avoided" means you personally took action to keep away from something, while "I prevented" implies stopping something from happening, whether or not you were directly involved. For instance, "I avoided the accident" vs "I prevented the accident".