The phrase "avoid harsh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to steer clear of severe or unkind actions, words, or judgments.
Example: "In your feedback, try to avoid harsh criticism to encourage a more positive response."
Alternatives: "steer clear of severe" or "refrain from unkind".
Farc leaders could avoid harsh prison sentences by admitting their guilt and offering compensation to victims.
Only if the public services become more efficient will it be possible to avoid harsh fiscal choices.
Another report suggested consumer spending picked up last month despite fear Washington would fail to avoid harsh austerity measures that could push the nation into recession.
The obvious way to avoid harsh light is to shoot when the light is low the golden hours just after dawn and before sunset.
Hill says Iraqi leaders are careful to avoid harsh criticism of Saudi Arabia's role for fear of offending the Americans, Riyadh's close allies.
Shipping arms to Zimbabwe could further complicate China's efforts to avoid harsh international criticism before it hosts the Olympics this summer.
The polite response marked the first time since Nov. 7 that any arbiter has been able to avoid harsh accusations of partisanship.
It later emerged that he had fabricated his stories about Iraq to try to avoid harsh treatment by his Egyptian captors.
First, to help close a $2.6 billion budget deficit and avoid harsh cuts, she shocked and angered the conservative flank that had buoyed her by pushing for a 1-cent increase in the state sales tax.
It is also pressing the opposition in Syria to avoid harsh retaliation against the army, the police and the municipal agencies of Mr. Assad's government that could cause a security vacuum and a collapse of services.
Further, it suggests it is best not to assume that your baby or toddler is deliberately trying to wind you up, if you want to avoid harsh, aggressive and even abusive parenting behaviour.
