avert the need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avert the need" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions taken to prevent a requirement or necessity from arising. Example: "Implementing these new policies will help us avert the need for additional staff during peak hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Others hoped that the inspectors would avert the need for war.

The Guardian

But even a crash effort to blunt the greenhouse-gas buildup wouldn't avert the need for step 3.

The New York Times

In the end, Mr. Lott said, the president's veto threat will avert the need for a veto.

The New York Times

The Citizens Union argues that the city can avert the need for expensive new supply arrangements by reducing demand.

The New York Times

Even if the country in trouble is assisted by international credits, in certain cases these may not be large enough to avert the need for devaluation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But even if the Legislature approves the plan, it is doubtful that the money will be enough to avert the need to raise taxes, cut spending or both.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

He received 52% of the vote, averting the need for a runoff.

The Economist

He received 52% of the vote, averting the need for a run-off.

The Economist

But because they were regulated like utilities, the country's financial system averted the need for big bailouts.

The New York Times

That would have averted the need for this year's patchwork budget, which will almost certainly need redoing in a few months.

The New York Times

He waived a probable-cause hearing and a detention hearing on the charge against him, averting the need for prosecutors to immediately reveal further details.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avert the need" when you want to emphasize proactive measures taken to prevent a specific undesirable outcome or requirement from arising. It is effective in formal and professional contexts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "avert the need" in casual conversation may sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "prevent" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avert the need" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. It describes an action taken to prevent a particular necessity or requirement from arising. Ludwig shows its consistent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avert the need" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe actions taken to prevent a requirement or undesirable situation from arising. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, with a stronger presence in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it tends to be more suitable for formal and neutral registers. Remember to consider simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "prevent" in more informal settings. The analysis of authoritative sources confirms its reliability and correct usage across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forestall the necessity

Replaces "avert" with "forestall", implying proactive prevention.

preclude the requirement

Uses "preclude" instead of "avert", suggesting an action that makes the need impossible.

circumvent the demand

Substitutes "avert" with "circumvent", indicating a way around the need.

eliminate the necessity

Replaces "avert" with "eliminate", suggesting a complete removal of the need.

obviate the requirement

Employs "obviate", a more formal synonym for "avert", indicating rendering the need unnecessary.

prevent the necessity

Uses a more direct and common synonym for "avert".

avoid the requirement

Similar to prevent, but suggests steering clear of the need.

negate the demand

Replaces "avert" with "negate", indicating an action that nullifies the need.

sidestep the obligation

Suggests finding a way to avoid the obligation completely.

bypass the obligation

Indicates going around or ignoring the obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "avert the need" in a sentence?

Use "avert the need" to describe actions taken to prevent a particular requirement or undesirable situation from arising. For example, "Early intervention can "avert the need" for more drastic measures later on".

What are some alternatives to "avert the need"?

You can use alternatives like "avoid the requirement", "prevent the necessity", or "eliminate the demand" depending on the context.

Is "avert the need" formal or informal?

"Avert the need" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "prevent" may be more appropriate.

Which is more precise, "avert the need" or "prevent the need"?

Both phrases are generally interchangeable. However, ""avert the need"" often implies a more strategic or proactive approach to preventing something, while "prevent the need" is more general.