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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 looking

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"avoid looking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean that someone should refrain from looking at something. For example: "If you don't want to get scared, avoid looking at the spider that's crawling up the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few, still unnerved, avoid looking outside.

News & Media

The New York Times

I avoid looking at the horizon entirely".

News & Media

The New York Times

Beliefs are a way to avoid looking at reality.

News & Media

The New York Times

He focused on the gray concrete to avoid looking over.

Second, step a few feet back to avoid looking threatening.

News & Media

The New York Times

I avoid looking into the abyss of financial disaster.

I try to avoid looking in the mirror.

This ensures that you avoid looking petty.

News & Media

Huffington Post

We can't avoid looking at her work through this prism.

News & Media

Huffington Post

No one can avoid looking like their parents.

News & Media

Huffington Post

"I've actually tried to avoid looking at Ms. Arias".

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to avoid looking at something unpleasant or distracting, use "avoid looking" followed by a specific explanation of what should be avoided and why. This provides clarity and helps the person understand the reasoning behind the advice.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear what the subject is supposed to be avoiding looking at. Vague instructions can lead to confusion. For example, instead of saying "Avoid looking during the presentation", specify "Avoid looking at your notes during the presentation to maintain eye contact with the audience."

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

74%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid looking" functions primarily as an imperative or directive, instructing someone to refrain from directing their gaze towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from preventing motion sickness to maintaining composure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

27%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avoid looking" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to instruct someone to refrain from looking at something, often to prevent a negative consequence or encourage a desired behavior. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal instructions to informal advice. Common usage includes WikiHow articles and news media. To ensure clarity, always specify what should be avoided. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "refrain from looking" or "look away". This guidance will help you effectively and appropriately incorporate "avoid looking" into your writing.

FAQs

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

You can use "avoid looking" to advise someone to refrain from looking at something specific. For example, "To prevent motion sickness, "try to avoid looking" out the car window".

What are some alternatives to "avoid looking"?

Alternatives include "refrain from looking", "abstain from looking", or simply "look away" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "avoid looking" or "try not to look"?

Both "avoid looking" and "try not to look" are acceptable. "Avoid looking" is a more direct instruction, while "try not to look" suggests an effort to resist. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "avoid looking" and "ignore"?

To "avoid looking" means to physically turn away or avert your eyes. To "ignore" means to disregard something, even if you see it. You can "avoid looking" at something unpleasant, but you can also choose to "ignore" a problem, even if you are aware of it.

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Source & Trust

74%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: