I usually avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

"I usually avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is a general habit of yours. For example, "I usually avoid eating out on weeknights because of my tight budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I usually avoid J.F.K. and use MacArthur Airport.

The New York Times

She decided to try the foie-gras brûlée, "although I usually avoid it, because of the calories".

The New Yorker

I usually avoid places like Chipotle Mexican Grill, which opened last month on 44th Street, near Third Avenue.

The New York Times - Food

Romesh Gunesekera Nicola Barker's Darkmans (Fourth Estate) is the sort of book I usually avoid: 800-plus pages, odd font, eccentric spacing.

The Guardian - Books

"What they do about the Meadowlands, I have no preference at all," Mr. Rice said, "because I usually avoid that area".

The New York Times

I usually avoid powerfully pungent brown crab meat, but ketchup transforms it, melting the meat away to make a thick, intense, buttery sauce that coats every single strand of pasta.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I rang a mutual friend I usually avoided.

The New Yorker

I usually avoided it by going on a weeknight before 7.

The New York Times - Food

Members of this species usually avoid humans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nigerian officials usually avoid blaming the military.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, wolves usually avoid contact with humans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I usually avoid" to express a consistent preference or habit of steering clear of something. Be specific about what you are avoiding and why to provide clarity to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "I usually avoid" without providing context. Saying you avoid something without explaining why can leave your audience confused or dismissive. Always provide a reason or explanation for your avoidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I usually avoid" functions as a statement of personal preference or habit. It expresses a tendency to stay away from something or someone. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I usually avoid" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a habitual tendency to stay away from something. Ludwig confirms its validity for use in written English. It's versatile, appearing in news, media, scientific, and even encyclopedic contexts. While acceptable in formal settings, alternative phrases like "I generally refrain from" may be preferable for academic writing. When using "I usually avoid", provide context to clarify your reasons for avoiding something, preventing misunderstanding. Ludwig's examples illustrate the phrase's widespread application and nuanced usage across various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I tend to steer clear of

Emphasizes a deliberate action to keep a distance from something.

I generally refrain from

Highlights a conscious effort to abstain from something.

I typically keep away from

Suggests a habit of maintaining physical or metaphorical distance.

I commonly stay clear of

Indicates a frequent practice of avoiding something.

I habitually dodge

Conveys a strong and ingrained pattern of avoidance.

I often bypass

Implies choosing an alternate route to avoid something.

I regularly evade

Suggests actively escaping or eluding something.

I seldom engage with

Emphasizes a lack of interaction or involvement.

I hardly ever go near

Highlights the infrequency of approaching something.

I instinctively shy away from

Indicates an automatic, often subconscious, reaction of avoidance.

FAQs

How can I use "I usually avoid" in a sentence?

You can use "I usually avoid" to describe something you generally try to stay away from. For example, "I usually avoid eating fast food because it makes me feel sluggish."

What's a more formal way to say "I usually avoid"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "I generally refrain from" or "I tend to steer clear of".

Is it okay to use "I usually avoid" in academic writing?

While "I usually avoid" is grammatically correct, academic writing often favors more objective language. Consider rephrasing to focus on the general avoidance of something rather than your personal habit, unless your personal experience is relevant to the context.

What's the difference between "I usually avoid" and "I always avoid"?

"I usually avoid" implies that you avoid something most of the time, but there might be exceptions. "I always avoid" suggests that you never engage with or go near something, with no exceptions.