avoid contact with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid contact with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should not make direct contact with someone or something else. For example: "If you're feeling ill, avoid contact with other people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They avoid contact with humans.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, wolves usually avoid contact with humans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In fact, I mostly avoid contact with everyone.

The New York Times

"In general, raccoons try to avoid contact with people," she said, "and certainly people should avoid contact with them".

The New York Times

The agency warned pregnant women to avoid contact with it.

The New York Times

Then, after urging listeners to avoid contact with his blue suede shoes, he crooned, "Hallelujah".

The New York Times - Arts

I always tried to avoid contact with those violent guards unless it was extremely necessary.

The Guardian

In fact, during most of his remarkable career, Bonatti climbed to avoid contact with unreliable humanity.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Choi, the hairdresser, said her family changed its phone number to avoid contact with her.

The New York Times

Officials suggest that people avoid contact with the waters until the week of Oct. 21.

The New York Times

2. Those who avoid contact with the media at all costs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or warnings, use "avoid contact with" to clearly state the need to prevent physical interaction with potentially harmful substances or individuals. For example, "To prevent the spread of infection, avoid contact with sick individuals."

Common error

Be careful not to use "avoid contact with" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where physical contact isn't relevant. For instance, instead of saying "avoid contact with negativity", consider more appropriate phrases like "minimize exposure to negativity" or "steer clear of negative influences."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid contact with" functions as a directive, advising against physical interaction with a specific object, substance, or person. This directive is often used in contexts where potential harm or risk is present. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "avoid contact with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used directive, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to warn or instruct against physical interaction, particularly in situations involving potential harm or risk. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, the phrase appears across a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific and general informational sources. When writing, remember to use "avoid contact with" when you want to communicate the need to prevent physical interaction with specific substances or individuals, but be careful to not use it in overly abstract contexts. Alternatives such as "steer clear of" or "keep away from" can also be used depending on the nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep away from

This suggests maintaining a physical distance to prevent any form of contact.

steer clear of

This alternative implies deliberately keeping a distance from something or someone, often to avoid potential problems.

give a wide berth to

This idiom suggests keeping a safe distance from something potentially dangerous or unpleasant.

refrain from interacting with

This is a more formal way of saying to not engage or communicate with someone or something.

evade interaction with

This suggests actively trying to dodge or escape any form of engagement.

shun

This implies deliberately avoiding someone, often due to disapproval or dislike.

have nothing to do with

This indicates a complete disassociation and refusal to be involved with something.

bypass

This means to go around or avoid something, often to save time or effort.

circumvent

This implies finding a way around something, often to avoid an obstacle or problem.

remain aloof from

This indicates maintaining a detached and distant attitude to avoid involvement.

FAQs

How can I use "avoid contact with" in a sentence?

You can use "avoid contact with" to advise against physical interaction. For example, "During the pandemic, it's crucial to "keep away from" crowded places" or "refrain from interacting with contaminated surfaces".

What are some alternatives to "avoid contact with"?

Alternatives include "steer clear of", "keep away from", or refrain from interacting with, depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "avoid contact with"?

It is appropriate when advising someone to prevent physical interaction with something potentially harmful, infectious, or undesirable. It's commonly used in health advisories, safety instructions, and cautionary statements.

What's the difference between "avoid contact with" and "limit contact with"?

"Avoid contact with" suggests preventing any interaction whatsoever, while "limit contact with" implies reducing the amount of interaction but not necessarily eliminating it entirely. For instance, you might "avoid contact with" a known allergen, but only "limit contact with" electronic devices before bedtime.