So as to not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "So as to not" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide a reason for why something is not being done or should not be done. Example sentence: "I decided to take a different route so as to not get lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So as to not exclude 2007 data, soap was not included in the adjusted model.

Conflict and Health

So as to not exclude the 2007 data, soap was not included in the adjusted model.

Conflict and Health

His body was buried in secret so as to not attract mourners.

The Economist

All could be consumed quick enough so as to not arouse managerial suspicion.

The New York Times

It's purposefully spare, so as to not get in the way of his emotions.

The New York Times

And the U.S. must watch out so as to not miss the real terror hot spot".

The New York Times

However, propulsion is easily controlled so as to not adversely affect the grid's stability   d.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Thus, every effort should be undertaken so as to not miss a single lesion.

Insights into Imaging

The camera is small and light enough so as to not be an encumbrance at all.

Forbes

Online communities that provide social media services need to engage newcomers so as to not lose them to competitors.

Computers in Human Behavior

and then proceeded to make the slide so as to not get yelled at.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so as to not" to clearly express the intention to prevent a specific action or outcome. Ensure the sentence structure maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "so as to not" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound stilted or overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to avoid" or "so you don't" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so as to not" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It modifies a verb by explaining the reason why an action is performed or a state is maintained, specifically to avoid a particular outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so as to not" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase expressing purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to clearly indicate the intention to prevent something. While generally acceptable, it's more suited for neutral to formal contexts and less appropriate for casual conversation. The phrase sees widespread usage across scientific, news, and wiki sources, making it a versatile tool for expressing intentional avoidance in various writing styles. Remember to use it thoughtfully to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary formality in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In order to avoid

Replaces "so as to" with "in order to", focusing on avoidance.

To prevent from

Uses "to prevent" to express the purpose of avoiding something.

For the purpose of avoiding

More verbose, emphasizing the intention behind avoiding.

With the aim of preventing

Formally states the objective of prevention.

Lest

A more literary term meaning "in order to prevent".

So that one does not

A more explicit and somewhat formal restructuring.

In an effort not to

Highlights the attempt to avoid a certain result.

With the intention of not

Focuses on the intent to avoid a particular outcome.

To circumvent

Suggests finding a way around something to avoid it.

In order that one may not

A formal, somewhat archaic construction expressing purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "so as to not" in a sentence?

Use "so as to not" to indicate the purpose of avoiding something. For example: "I left early "so as to not miss" the train".

What are some alternatives to "so as to not"?

Alternatives include "in order to avoid", "to prevent from", or "lest", depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it better to use "so as to not" or "in order to not"?

Both "so as to not" and "in order to not" are grammatically correct and serve the same purpose. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, although "so as to not" can sometimes sound slightly more formal.

Can I start a sentence with "so as to not"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "so as to not" is generally discouraged. It is more common and stylistically preferable to place the phrase within the sentence to maintain a smoother flow.