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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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avoid embarrassment

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid embarrassment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or behaviors that help prevent feelings of shame or awkwardness in social situations. Example: "To avoid embarrassment, she decided to practice her speech several times before the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only way to avoid embarrassment is with intense-to-the-point-that-the-effort-itself-becomes-embarrassing practice.

News & Media

Vice

To avoid embarrassment?

News & Media

The New Yorker

To avoid embarrassment, protocol created.

News & Media

The New Yorker

To avoid embarrassment, protocol was created.

News & Media

The New Yorker

To avoid embarrassment, he retired in 1959.

To avoid embarrassment, his or her name is informally sounded.

What odds that he will decide to avoid embarrassment?

She declined to give her full name to avoid embarrassment.

News & Media

The New York Times

But with a semifinal matchup against Rosewall looming, Edmondson simply hoped to avoid embarrassment.

"We call everyone Mrs to avoid embarrassment," an angry nurse told me.

News & Media

Independent

To avoid embarrassment, the government decided to raise his rank to match his title.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and context to ensure that the actions taken to "avoid embarrassment" are appropriate and don't create further issues. Sometimes, directly addressing a potentially embarrassing situation can be more effective than trying to avoid it.

Common error

While it's often wise to "avoid embarrassment", sometimes facing difficult situations head-on is necessary. Overly avoiding potential embarrassment can lead to missed opportunities for growth or resolution of underlying issues.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid embarrassment" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates the reason behind an action, aiming to prevent a state of awkwardness or shame. Many examples across the web showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid embarrassment" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions taken to prevent feelings of awkwardness or shame. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific publications. While it's generally a sensible goal, it's important to balance the desire to "avoid embarrassment" with the need to address difficult situations directly. Alternatives like "prevent humiliation" or "sidestep awkwardness" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Therefore, understanding the context and potential consequences of overly avoiding embarrassment is key to effective communication and personal growth.

FAQs

How can I use "avoid embarrassment" in a sentence?

You can use "avoid embarrassment" to describe actions taken to prevent awkward or shameful situations. For example, "To "avoid embarrassment", she practiced her presentation thoroughly."

What's a more formal alternative to "avoid embarrassment"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "prevent humiliation" or "avert disgrace" to convey a similar meaning with a heightened sense of formality.

Is it always a good idea to "avoid embarrassment"?

While "avoid embarrassment" is often a sensible goal, sometimes facing potentially embarrassing situations directly can lead to growth or resolution. Over-prioritizing the avoidance of embarrassment can hinder personal development.

What are some common reasons why people try to "avoid embarrassment"?

People often try to "avoid embarrassment" to maintain social standing, protect their reputation, or sidestep uncomfortable social interactions. The desire to "avoid awkwardness" is a strong motivator for many social behaviors.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: