are looking to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are looking to avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a desire or intention to prevent something from happening or to steer clear of a particular situation. Example: "We are looking to avoid any potential conflicts during the negotiation process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Most are looking to avoid commitment.

The New York Times

"I think sometimes people are looking to avoid going to a professional," Mr. Russo said.

The New York Times - Tech

The NPD Group recently found that sugar is the No. 1 ingredient Americans are looking to avoid.

The New York Times - Health

Worst cashing in: The Capitals are looking to avoid becoming the first team since 2012 to outshoot its opponent in every game of the series and lose.

The Washington Post

Now, as autonomous vehicles (AVs) are increasingly rolling through some American cities, policymakers are looking to avoid the past mistakes of reacting after the arrival of disruptive technology, and instead they're planning for it.

Harvard University

What Mr. Monti's government and others with high debts are looking to avoid is "the Greek spiral," Professor Manasse said, where budget cuts lead to slower growth, lower revenues and ever deeper budget cuts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

My hopes were modest: I was looking to avoid humiliation.

The New Yorker

The United States is looking to avoid a long-term troop presence in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

"They're looking to avoid any control that the user has," says Polonetsky.

MIT Technology Review

My sense is that he is looking to avoid being defined on a left/right dimension/continuum.

The New York Times

Dallas will be a difficult game & we will be looking to avoid a repeat of last years 3-0 drubbing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are looking to avoid", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being avoided. Specificity strengthens the sentence and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are looking to avoid" without a clear object. Instead of saying "They are looking to avoid", specify what they are trying to avoid, such as "They are looking to avoid potential risks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are looking to avoid" functions as a verbal phrase indicating intention or desire to prevent a particular outcome. It combines the present continuous form of "to look" with the infinitive "to avoid", expressing a forward-looking perspective on averting something undesirable, and, as Ludwig AI confirms, follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are looking to avoid" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey an intention to prevent something undesirable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various professional settings. When using this phrase, be specific about what is being avoided to enhance clarity. Related phrases include "seeking to prevent", "trying to evade", and "attempting to avert", offering nuanced alternatives for expressing the desire to avert negative outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to avert

Emphasizes turning away or preventing something specific, often a crisis or disaster.

seeking to prevent

Focuses on the active attempt to stop something from happening, emphasizing proactive effort.

endeavoring to steer clear of

Focuses on carefully avoiding a situation or topic, implying caution.

trying to evade

Highlights the act of escaping or dodging something, suggesting a more elusive approach.

looking to sidestep

Implies cleverly avoiding a direct confrontation or difficult issue.

aiming to preclude

Indicates an intention to make something impossible, focusing on blocking potential outcomes.

working to forestall

Highlights efforts to prevent something from happening by acting in advance.

intending to circumvent

Implies finding a way around something, often a rule or obstacle.

planning to bypass

Suggests creating a route or method that avoids something, often a problem or delay.

hoping to escape

Emphasizes the desire to get away from an undesirable situation, focusing on personal liberation.

FAQs

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

Use "are looking to avoid" to express an intention to prevent something from happening, like, "We "are looking to avoid" any delays in the project timeline".

What are some alternatives to "are looking to avoid"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking to prevent", "trying to evade", or "attempting to avert" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider alternatives for a smoother phrasing.

Is it always necessary to specify what you're trying to avoid after using "are looking to avoid"?

Yes, specifying what you're trying to avoid is important for clarity. Without it, the sentence can be vague and less impactful. For example, instead of "They "are looking to avoid"", say "They "are looking to avoid" additional costs".

What's the difference between "are looking to avoid" and "are hoping to avoid"?

"Are looking to avoid" implies a proactive effort to prevent something, while "are hoping to avoid" suggests a desire but not necessarily a concrete plan. The former indicates intention, while the latter suggests wishful thinking. The exact choice depends on the context.