I prefer to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

'I prefer to avoid' is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not favored or wanted. For example, "I prefer to avoid long conversations on topics I'm not familiar with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

So, sometimes I prefer to avoid the point.

The New York Times

"If we're both in the same place, I prefer to avoid her," Mr. Owens said in an interview last week.

The New York Times

Not, unfortunately, because I'm an expert on the subject but because I prefer to avoid lasting mental trauma from editing love scenes written by my mum.

The Guardian

As with most permanent residents, however, I prefer to avoid the river of tourists, having a dinner at home with friends and later going to a rooftop to toast the new year above the city lights.

The Guardian - Travel

As for gold, she says, "whenever I see a chart that looks like a parabolic curve I prefer to avoid direct investment".

Forbes

Whenever I see a chart that looks like a parabolic curve, I prefer to avoid direct investment in that particular area, and to me, that is what gold looks like.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And if I were being held in a regular federal facility like a normal detainee, I wouldn't be exposed to it while incarcerated if I preferred to avoid it.

Vice

Ask yourself, 'Is this the kind of place where I can see myself in others?' You might make five times more money at one place, but does it reflect who you are and who you want to be? Are my colleagues people I'd admire or people I'd prefer to avoid?" In the early years of my career, I used to say that I'd like to retire by age 40.

The New York Times

While I truly appreciate the gesture, I would prefer to avoid downloading malware or ransomware.

Huffington Post

As for me, I'd prefer to avoid weight-related illnesses for as long as I can.

Huffington Post

But frankly I'd prefer to avoid being irradiated, even a little bit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I prefer to avoid", be specific about what you are avoiding and the reason. This provides clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly stating what you want to avoid without suggesting what you would prefer instead. Offering alternatives makes your communication more constructive and solution-oriented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I prefer to avoid" functions as an expression of personal preference, specifically indicating a desire to steer clear of something. As shown in Ludwig, it clearly communicates a choice to not engage with or encounter a particular situation, topic, or person.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I prefer to avoid" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for stating a personal preference to steer clear of something, according to Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, specify what you are avoiding and, if possible, suggest alternatives to make your communication more effective. Consider using synonyms like "I try to steer clear of" or "I would rather not encounter" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I try to steer clear of

Emphasizes the active effort to avoid something.

I typically keep away from

Emphasizes habitual avoidance.

I tend to keep out of

Emphasizes not getting involved or participating.

I would rather not encounter

Indicates a stronger desire to not come across something unpleasant.

I favor staying away from

Indicates a preference for not being near something.

I'm inclined to bypass

Suggests a tendency to go around something.

I make it a point to evade

Highlights the intentional and deliberate nature of avoidance.

I find it best to circumvent

Implies finding a way around a potential problem or issue.

I'd rather keep my distance from

Focuses on maintaining separation from something.

I'm disposed to shun

Suggests a deliberate rejection or avoidance.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I prefer to avoid"?

You can use alternatives like "I try to steer clear of", "I would rather not encounter", or "I make it a point to evade" depending on the context.

How to use "I prefer to avoid" in a sentence?

The phrase "I prefer to avoid" is followed by the thing you want to steer clear of. For example, "I prefer to avoid crowded places" or "I prefer to avoid discussing politics at family gatherings."

Is it more formal to say "I prefer to avoid" or are there better alternatives for professional settings?

While "I prefer to avoid" is acceptable, in more formal settings, consider using phrases like "I would rather not encounter" or restructuring the sentence to focus on the positive alternative you are choosing.

What's the difference between "I prefer to avoid" and "I try to avoid"?

"I prefer to avoid" indicates a preference, while "I try to avoid" suggests an ongoing effort to do so, implying that it may not always be successful.