avoid looking

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.

The New York Times

I avoid looking at the horizon entirely".

The New York Times

Beliefs are a way to avoid looking at reality.

The New York Times

He focused on the gray concrete to avoid looking over.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

I avoid looking into the abyss of financial disaster.

The Guardian - Books

I try to avoid looking in the mirror.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This ensures that you avoid looking petty.

Huffington Post

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

Huffington Post

No one can avoid looking like their parents.

Huffington Post

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

Huffington Post

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."

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.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from looking

Formal alternative emphasizing conscious self-restraint.

abstain from looking

Similar to "refrain from looking" but implies a stronger, more deliberate avoidance.

evade looking

Suggests actively trying to dodge visual contact, often out of discomfort.

shun looking

Implies a deliberate avoidance due to dislike or fear.

avert your gaze

A more formal and literary way to say to turn your eyes away.

look away

Simple and direct way to say to turn your eyes away.

turn a blind eye

To ignore something deliberately, often something negative.

disregard looking

Suggests a conscious decision to ignore something you might otherwise look at.

ignore looking

Similar to 'disregard looking' but with less emphasis on a prior interest.

bypass looking

To go around something so you do not have to look at it.

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.