avert

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "avert" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when you want to describe avoiding or preventing something from happening. For example: The organization is implementing new safety protocols to avert any potential accidents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Irish government has also been opening an eye that had turned the other way to avert its gaze from numerous Provo transgressions.

The Guardian

Everything was done to avert that prospect and when it was called off the relief in Downing Street was palpable: "The news was announced this afternoon and represents a massive blow to [Arthur] Scargill," read the "secret and personal"' daily coal report for Wednesday 24 October.

The Guardian

Matthaus's searching centre from the right found him in space in the penalty area with only Goycochea barring the way, but the sweeper's first touch was poor and enabled the goalkeeper to avert the danger with his legs, over which Augenthaler then threw himself, vainly appealing for a penalty.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet if this level of emissions seems irresponsibly high – which it surely is in a carbon-constrained world trying to avert the risk of dangerous climate change – then how should we categorise 3.7bn tonnes of CO2-e, a figure more than triple that from the Keystone XL proposal?

The Guardian

The British and Irish governments have called for Northern Ireland's political leaders to review the Stormont House agreement next week in order to avert the collapse of the devolved administration.

The Guardian

Iranians hope the deal will end years of international isolation and economic hardship – and avert the threat of war.

The Guardian

If Tim Montgomerie's pre-speech summary on ConservativeHome is correct – it often is – then Cameron is going further with a triple whammy against automatic access to benefits and to social housing, as well as Cleggish-fines for employers who avert their gaze: not easily done because both employer and worker stand to benefit from collusion.

The Guardian

Berlin has made clear that Athens will have to provide a detailed list of reforms if it is to unlock €7.2bn (£5.1bn) worth of rescue funds to avert default on debt payments in May.

The Guardian

Manuel Neuer races out of his area to avert the danger and his decision looks ill-advised, as Slimani beats him to the ball in the inside-left channel.

The Guardian - Sport

Making hard choices now will help avert much greater hardship in the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jubilant Iranians took to the streets on Thursday night to celebrate news of a breakthrough in nuclear negotiations with the West, and to express their hopes that the deal will end years of international isolation and economic hardship – and avert the threat of war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avert" when you want to emphasize the successful prevention of something negative or dangerous. It's stronger than simply "avoid" and suggests a more deliberate action.

Common error

Don't use "avert" as a synonym for verbs like "ignore" or "overlook". "Avert" implies actively preventing something, not simply failing to notice it. For example, you avert a crisis, but you might ignore an inconvenient truth.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "avert" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being turned away or prevented. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts such as "avert the danger" or "avert the threat of war."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sport

8%

Business

7%

Less common in

Opinion

7%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "avert" is a versatile term, primarily used to describe the act of preventing or turning away something undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing, and its presence in diverse contexts – notably in News & Media and Business writing – attests to its widespread applicability. While it shares semantic ground with terms like "prevent" and "avoid", "avert" carries a stronger connotation of proactive intervention. Remember to use it when you wish to highlight the successful avoidance of a negative outcome, as it suggests a more deliberate and forceful action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent

More general; emphasizes stopping something from happening.

avoid

Focuses on staying away from something undesirable, often by chance or habit.

ward off

Suggests active defense against an approaching threat.

forestall

Implies acting in advance to prevent something.

preclude

Indicates making something impossible.

stave off

Suggests delaying or postponing something negative.

obviate

Means to remove the need or necessity for something.

head off

Implies intercepting or redirecting something to prevent it from reaching a destination or goal.

deflect

Focuses on turning something aside from its intended course.

preempt

Means to act before someone else does, especially to prevent them from doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "avert" in a sentence?

Use "avert" to describe preventing something negative from happening. For example, "The company implemented new safety measures to "avert accidents"."

What's the difference between "avert" and "avoid"?

"Avert" implies actively preventing something, whereas "avoid" simply means staying away from something. You "avert a disaster" through action, but you might "avoid crowds" by chance.

What can I say instead of "avert"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prevent", "avoid", or "ward off".

Is it correct to say "avert your eyes"?

Yes, "avert your eyes" is a common expression meaning to turn your gaze away from something, often because it's unpleasant or shocking.