avoid encountering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid encountering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing strategies or actions taken to prevent facing a particular situation or issue. Example: "To ensure a smooth project, we must take steps to avoid encountering any major obstacles along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

As everywhere in Myanmar, tourists in Mandalay cannot avoid encountering the government.

The New York Times

And there are couples who give out a strict dress code, to avoid encountering anyone else's bad taste.

The Guardian - Opinion

All the program's interception tests, Dr. Postol said in the draft report to the White House, "have been carefully orchestrated to avoid encountering the discrimination problems".

The New York Times

You still can't avoid encountering the occasional scrap of meat on the sidewalks, but none of them bear any messages from Freud or Flannery O'Connor.

The New York Times - Magazine

He left school aged 13, determined to work in show business and adopted the name Don Arden to avoid encountering anti-Semitism from bookers.

The Guardian

The speaker initially wants to avoid walking the Ridgeway so as to avoid encountering this ghost, but he comes to realise that following the path is the only way that he can reconnect with his, and their, past.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Researchers have noticed that sharks avoid encounters with certain rare metals, used in computers and other devices.

The New York Times - Science

Although most NATO personnel in Bosnia deliberately avoided encountering indicted individuals until 1997, France held out until recently.

The New York Times

"Humans would have to have avoided encountering the bears, as you can image," Quiles and Geneste said.

Los Angeles Times

Duckworth pursued Lessigues to the Caribbean and on 6 February annihilated his force at the Battle of San Domingo, but Willaumez avoided encountering any of the squadrons sent to intercept him.

Wikipedia

Ms. Espinosa said she was not allowed to play in certain areas while growing up in the San Diego section of San Ysidro to avoid encounters with crossers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in instructions or guidelines, use "avoid encountering" to precisely describe how to prevent undesired situations or outcomes. For example, "To ensure data security, employees must avoid encountering suspicious links in emails."

Common error

Avoid using "avoid encountering" in passive constructions where the subject isn't actively avoiding something. Instead of saying "Problems should be avoided from encountering", rephrase as "Project managers should proactively avoid encountering potential problems."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid encountering" functions as a purpose connector, often introducing a clause that explains the reason for a particular action. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

20%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avoid encountering" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the intention of preventing an interaction or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its frequency across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, positions it as a versatile expression. While alternatives like "steer clear of" or "prevent encountering" exist, "avoid encountering" provides a clear and direct way to convey the act of evading something undesirable. Remember to use it in active constructions for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent encountering

This is a direct synonym focusing on prevention.

escape encountering

This alternative expresses the action of freeing yourself from encountering.

evade encountering

This alternative suggests a more deliberate effort to avoid something.

sidestep encountering

This alternative implies skillful avoidance.

steer clear of

This alternative is less formal and emphasizes avoiding something potentially problematic.

dodge encountering

This alternative means to avoid someone or something quickly and cleverly.

bypass encountering

This alternative is used when the avoidance happens by choosing an alternative route.

circumvent encountering

This alternative describes someone finding a way around encountering someone or something

shun encountering

This alternative describes someone intentionally ignoring some person or thing.

obviate the need to encounter

This alternative expresses the action of making it unecessary to encounter someone or something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "avoid encountering" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "evade encountering", "prevent encountering", or "obviate the need to encounter", depending on the specific context.

What is a less formal alternative to "avoid encountering"?

In informal contexts, you could use phrases such as "steer clear of", "dodge encountering", or simply "avoid meeting".

Is it always necessary to use "encountering" after "avoid"?

While "avoid encountering" is grammatically correct, you can often simplify it. For instance, "avoid problems" is simpler than "avoid encountering problems" when the meaning is clear from the context.

What's the difference between "avoid encountering" and "prevent encountering"?

While semantically similar, "avoid encountering" suggests dodging or steering clear of something already present, while "prevent encountering" focuses more on stopping something from happening in the first place. The choice depends on whether the focus is on evasion or prevention.