are keen to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are keen to avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or intention to prevent something from happening. Example: "The company is keen to avoid any potential legal issues that could arise from the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

They are keen to avoid demonstrations by protesters in wheelchairs.

The Economist

Something that editors like Raymond are keen to avoid.

The Guardian

Both sides are keen to avoid outright confrontation if they can.

The Economist

Entrepreneurs are keen to avoid the bureaucracy involved in initial public offerings.

The Economist

They are keen to avoid duplication between robots and their human handlers.

The Economist

The health service and its stakeholders are keen to avoid another major reorganisation.

The Guardian

A vacancy for his job would trigger a divisive election that both are keen to avoid.

The Guardian

However, the researchers are keen to avoid opening the coffin if possible, as this could damage the occupant's remains.

Independent

Having looked into the abyss, Iraqis know, and are keen to avoid, the dangers of sectarian division.

The Economist

They are keen to avoid hierarchies among rescue-robots (because the loss of the leader would render the rest redundant).

The Economist

The government's drug experts are keen to avoid looking as though they are being bounced into a decision by ministers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are keen to avoid", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being avoided and why. Stronger alternatives can add emphasis depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

While "keen" is generally acceptable, be mindful of your audience. In highly formal writing, consider stronger, more direct alternatives like "determined" or "resolved" for increased impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are keen to avoid" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, expressing a strong desire or intention to prevent something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are keen to avoid" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating a strong desire to prevent something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears widely across various sources, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or scientific writing. Remember to clearly specify what is being avoided and why to maximize the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aim to prevent

Focuses on taking proactive steps to stop something from happening.

intend to steer clear of

Highlights a deliberate intention to keep a safe distance from something.

desire to avert

Highlights a strong wish to turn away or prevent something undesirable.

are anxious to evade

Emphasizes worry or concern about something, leading to a desire to avoid it.

seek to evade

Emphasizes actively trying to escape or dodge something, highlighting the effort to avoid it.

try to circumvent

Focuses on finding a way around an obstacle or rule, aiming to avoid it.

are eager to sidestep

Suggests wanting to move around or avoid a problem or issue.

wish to bypass

Suggests a desire to go around something, avoiding direct engagement or confrontation.

are resolved to forestall

Implies a firm decision to prevent something from happening by acting in advance.

hope to preclude

Indicates a wish to make something impossible, preventing it from occurring.

FAQs

What does "are keen to avoid" mean?

The phrase "are keen to avoid" means someone strongly desires to prevent something from happening. It indicates a proactive stance to steer clear of a particular situation or outcome.

How can I use "are keen to avoid" in a sentence?

You can use "are keen to avoid" to express a desire to prevent something. For example, "They "are keen to avoid" any actions that might escalate the conflict."

What can I say instead of "are keen to avoid"?

You can use alternatives like "aim to prevent", "desire to avert", or "intend to steer clear of" depending on the context.

Is "are keen to avoid" formal or informal?

The phrase "are keen to avoid" is generally considered neutral in register and suitable for a variety of contexts, but using stronger alternatives may add emphasis depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.