avoid consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions taken to prevent negative outcomes or repercussions. Example: "He decided to apologize quickly to avoid consequences for his mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It makes clear, for example, that if a state breaks the rules, it cannot avoid consequences by withdrawing from the treaty.

The Guardian - Opinion

When we lie to avoid consequences or control a situation, we get instant feedback.

Huffington Post

This doesn't mean they avoid consequences ― they still face the prospect of deportation ― but it prevents large-scale family separation.

Huffington Post

Specific treatment regimens are needed to avoid consequences of acute hemorrhage while patients are on anticoagulation.

BioMed Research International

As long as the DS signs and symptoms are present, patients need nutritional support to avoid consequences of emaciation and cachexia.

BMC Cancer

A further study should be carried out to reveal the differences between guided and self-training efforts with a less strenuous training program, so as to avoid consequences adverse to QoL.

Clinical interventions in aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

After avoiding consequences for the standoff, the Bundys picked another fight with the BLM in January 2016.

The Guardian

Critics argue that men in powerful positions at UC Berkeley have repeatedly avoided consequences for harassment and only lost their positions after negative media coverage.

The Guardian

It's a study in avoiding consequences, and in the ferocious sense of desperation that fuels Connie's twists and turns.

The New Yorker

Targeting PrPSc may represent an effective strategy for immunotherapy while avoiding consequences associated with immune responses to self-proteins.

Vaccine

Avoiding consequences -- one of the most obvious reasons for us to lie is to avoid some consequence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or scientific writing, prefer specific descriptors like "prevent adverse effects" or "avoid negative impacts" to enhance precision.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase when the outcome is positive or neutral. While 'consequence' technically means any result, in contemporary English, it carries a strong negative connotation. For positive outcomes, use "achieve results" or "reap the benefits" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid consequences" acts as a transitive verb phrase composed of the base verb "avoid" and the plural noun object "consequences". According to Ludwig AI, it typically functions within a clause to describe a preventative action or a desire for immunity from blowback. It is often seen in infinitive form (e.g., "in order to "avoid consequences"") or as a gerund.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid consequences" is a standard and grammatically correct expression used across diverse fields such as science, law and journalism. Ludwig AI confirms its primary role in describing actions taken to mitigate or entirely prevent negative reactions or penalties. While it is highly versatile, it is most frequently found in formal contexts where precise causal relationships are discussed. Writers should be aware that "consequences" almost always implies a negative result in modern usage; therefore, this phrase should not be used when referring to positive outcomes. Alternatives like evade repercussions or prevent negative outcomes can be used to shift the level of formality or specific focus of the sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evade repercussions

Suggests a more active or perhaps slightly more formal way of escaping blowback

avert repercussions

Formal tone implying the prevention of something before it occurs

prevent negative outcomes

A more descriptive and neutral alternative focusing on the result itself

dodge penalties

More informal and often implies escaping specific, enforced punishments

sidestep the effects

Focuses on maneuvering around the direct influence of an action

escape the fallout

Uses a metaphor to describe avoiding the chaotic aftermath of an event

bypass the impact

Suggests finding a way around a problem rather than directly confronting it

circumvent the results

Highly formal, often used in procedural or technical contexts

mitigate the blowback

Focuses on reducing the severity of the reaction rather than total avoidance

shirk responsibility

Implies a moral failing in avoiding the duties or blame attached to an action

FAQs

What can I say instead of "avoid consequences"?

You can use alternatives like "evade repercussions", "dodge penalties", or "prevent negative outcomes" depending on the context.

How do I use "avoid consequences" in a sentence?

A typical example would be: "The company implemented new safety protocols to "avoid consequences" associated with industrial accidents".

Is it more formal to say "avoid consequences" or "evade repercussions"?

"evade repercussions" is generally considered more formal and is often used in political or high-level journalism, whereas "avoid consequences" is more common in general and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "avoid consequences" and "face consequences"?

The former describes the act of preventing or escaping a result, while "face consequences" means to accept or be subjected to the results of one's actions.