avert a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avert a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase usually means to take steps to prevent something bad or unpleasant happening, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example: "The government is taking measures in an attempt to avert the financial crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We made a decision to avert a problem and we ought to congratulate ourselves on that".

The Guardian

Others say the announcement of the aid request on Wednesday might drive down the cost of short-term borrowing for Portugal and avert a problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Everything did click, though, at the Abu Dhabi race in 2009, where the team found a brake problem in one of the cars and told the driver to brake less and earlier, averting a problem.

The New York Times

If the senators are serious about averting a problem they helped create, they can support negotiating a deficit-reduction package that includes tax revenues from the wealthy, or they can urge that both sides of the sequester simply be set aside.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration told Congress on Thursday that it would allow the federal government to continue paying a large share of the cost of health insurance for members of Congress and their aides, averting a problem for many who work on Capitol Hill.

The New York Times

Hyundai Engineering released a self-rescue plan on Sunday, saying that it would sell up to 543 billion won ($479 million) in assets to help avert a liquidity problem.

The New York Times

Mr. Clinton will press Mr. Pastrana to complement the new military anti-narcotics offensive against those groups in the south with civilian aid programs to avert a refugee problem that could add fighters to the guerrilla ranks and spread the conflict to neighboring countries.

The New York Times

Even some of Ms. Pelosi's allies said the bill's withdrawal, while an embarrassment, may well have averted a larger problem for her had the proposal been approved, setting off problems with Turkey.

The New York Times

The interim role for Ms. Warren averts a political problem for Mr. Obama in this election season.

The New York Times

Torre averted a potential problem last month when he altered his starting rotation so that Clemens would not pitch at Shea Stadium, where he would have to bat and thus possibly be in harm's way.

The New York Times - Sports

NASA, once a shining example of American ingenuity, is berated in Internet discussions for failing to avert a reprise of the problem that caused the shuttle Columbia to break up on re-entry in 2003.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "avert a problem", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific actions are being taken to prevent the negative outcome. Specificity strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "avert a problem" without a clear link to the potential consequences. It's important to establish a direct relationship between the action and the averted negative outcome to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avert a problem" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of preventing something negative from occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and meaning. It often appears with specific actions that aim to avoid undesirable outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avert a problem" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the action of preventing a negative situation from occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various domains. It's common in news media, scientific literature, and formal business communications, indicating a neutral formality level. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and specify the actions taken to prevent the potential problem. Consider related phrases like "avoid a problem" or "prevent a problem" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid a problem

Focuses on steering clear of an issue altogether.

prevent a problem

Highlights proactive measures to stop an issue before it starts.

forestall a problem

Suggests acting in advance to preclude something negative.

preclude a problem

Implies making something impossible to happen.

head off a problem

Conveys the sense of intercepting or stopping a problem in its early stages.

mitigate a problem

Focuses on lessening the severity of an existing or potential issue.

circumvent a problem

Implies finding a way around a difficulty without directly confronting it.

sidestep a problem

Suggests skillfully avoiding a direct confrontation with an issue.

defuse a problem

Highlights the action of neutralizing or diminishing the intensity of a developing issue.

stave off a problem

Indicates warding off or delaying a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "avert a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "avert a problem" to describe actions taken to prevent a negative situation from occurring. For instance, "The company implemented new safety protocols to avert a problem with workplace accidents."

What are some alternatives to "avert a problem"?

Some alternatives to "avert a problem" include "avoid a problem", "prevent a problem", or "mitigate a problem", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "avert a problem" or "solve a problem"?

"Averting a problem" implies preventing it from happening in the first place, while "solving a problem" means addressing it after it has already occurred. Prevention is often preferable, but both are necessary skills.

How does "avert a problem" differ from "address a problem"?

"Avert a problem" focuses on preventing something negative from happening, whereas "address a problem" focuses on dealing with it once it exists. Addressing a problem might involve finding "solve a problem", "fix a problem" or "resolve a problem".