avoid need

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid need" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where one is discussing the importance of preventing a necessity or requirement from arising. Example: "To improve efficiency, we should focus on strategies that avoid need for additional resources."

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

electionista (@electionista) Italy #elezioni2013 - if centre-left doesn't win Lombardy, likely to have to win all other regions to avoid need for post-election alliance.

The Guardian - Business

In this series, the bone transport technique was used knowing corticotomy increases blood flow to the limb [16] and the transported bone segment is able to bridge the area of the contained defect and avoid need for bone graft.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

For implementation in resource poor settings such as sub-Saharan Africa new technology should preferably have low running costs and avoid need for major investment.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

# to avoid needing the 'datastack.' prefix.

Harvard University

The shopper tries to add up purchases to avoid needing change.

The New York Times

Families with lower income are even more likely to delay or avoid needed care due to cost sharing.

University of California, Berkeley

The Americans want to avoid needing a victory in their last game, Nov. 11 at Trinidad and Tobago.

The New York Times - Sports

Without them, disabled people say that they limit what they drink to avoid needing the lavatory when they are out.

The Times

To avoid needing another tool from Grandpa's shaving kit (the old styptic pencil), pay particular care at the jawline.

The New York Times - Style

Extravagant computer-generated imagery is the hallmark of blockbusters that are carefully formulated to avoid being "execution dependent" or "review sensitive" — to avoid needing to be good.

The New Yorker

The latter approach became the default procedure to avoid needing to test each device for leaks.

Analytical Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider stronger alternatives like "prevent the need" or "eliminate the necessity" which are more commonly used and readily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "avoid need" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "prevent the necessity" or "eliminate the requirement" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid need" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to prevent a requirement or necessity. Ludwig identifies instances where it suggests proactive prevention.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "avoid need" describes actions taken to prevent a future requirement, though Ludwig suggests it's less common than alternatives. While grammatically acceptable, it may sound awkward in formal writing. Its communicative purpose is to emphasize planning and foresight, appearing across scientific, news, and academic contexts. For clarity and impact, consider using stronger alternatives such as "prevent the necessity" or "eliminate the requirement".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent the necessity

Emphasizes proactive measures to stop a need from arising.

eliminate the requirement

Focuses on removing an existing requirement or obligation.

forestall the demand

Suggests acting in advance to thwart a future demand.

avert the obligation

Implies steering clear of a duty or responsibility.

preclude the necessity

Highlights the action of making a need impossible.

bypass the requirement

Conveys finding a way around a necessary step.

sidestep the demand

Suggests cleverly avoiding an imposition.

obviate the necessity

Indicates rendering a need unnecessary or irrelevant.

negate the requirement

Focuses on nullifying or invalidating a requirement.

pre-empt the demand

Emphasizes taking action before a demand can be made.

FAQs

What does "avoid need" mean?

The phrase "avoid need" generally means to take actions or implement strategies to prevent a requirement or necessity from arising. It emphasizes proactive measures to eliminate potential demands.

What can I say instead of "avoid need"?

You can use alternatives like "prevent the necessity", "eliminate the requirement", or "forestall the demand" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "avoid need" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "avoid need" is less common and may sound less polished than alternatives. Consider using more established phrases for clearer communication.

How can the phrase "avoid need" be improved in writing?

To enhance clarity, replace "avoid need" with stronger alternatives. For example, instead of "strategies that avoid need for resources", use "strategies that "eliminate the need" for resources".