avoid saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid saying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to refrain from expressing a particular statement or opinion. Example: "In professional settings, it's best to avoid saying anything that could be perceived as offensive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How could I avoid saying it?

The New York Times - Magazine

Try to avoid saying things like "graciousness is dead".

The New York Times

"I try to avoid saying unnecessary things," he said.

The New York Times

.@TulsiGabbard you're actually going to avoid saying Assad?

The Washington Post

Abe is trying to avoid saying anything uncomfortable," Kingston said.

The Washington Post

But science cannot avoid saying uncomfortable truths to governments.

The Guardian

To avoid losing face, some Singaporeans will avoid saying "no" outright.

The Economist

Which expression means 'to avoid saying something directly'?

BBC

Try to avoid saying "um", "ahhh", and "you know".

Forbes

If you avoid saying, "Heeere's Johnny," you get extra credit.

Los Angeles Times

What should you say, and what should you avoid saying?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, be specific about what to "avoid saying" and why. Providing context makes the guidance more effective.

Common error

Avoid being too vague when telling someone to "avoid saying" something. Instead of saying 'Avoid saying anything negative', specify what constitutes negativity in that context. Being precise reduces ambiguity and increases the likelihood of the advice being followed effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid saying" functions as an imperative or advisory phrase, commonly used to guide or caution someone against uttering certain words or statements. Ludwig examples demonstrate its applicability across diverse scenarios, from casual advice to formal recommendations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

11%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avoid saying" is a versatile phrase used to advise against certain expressions to prevent negative consequences or misunderstandings. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, from casual conversations to professional settings. The phrase's neutral register allows for broad application, though its specific tone can shift based on context. Alternatives like "refrain from saying" offer more formal options. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specifying what to avoid and why enhances the effectiveness of your guidance. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's practical utility, reinforcing its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from saying

Emphasizes a deliberate act of holding back from speaking.

abstain from mentioning

Highlights a conscious decision to omit something from a conversation.

steer clear of stating

Suggests deliberately circumventing a topic or comment.

omit to mention

Focuses on the act of leaving something unsaid, possibly unintentionally.

evade stating

Implies skillful avoidance of a direct statement, potentially due to discomfort.

circumvent speaking of

Highlights cleverly avoiding a topic.

hedge on uttering

Signifies indirectness or uncertainty in avoiding a direct statement.

shun declaring

Suggests strong aversion to making a particular statement.

decline to express

Formally refuses to voice something.

withhold from voicing

Indicates a deliberate holding back of one's words.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "refrain from saying" or "abstain from mentioning", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "avoid saying" something?

It's appropriate when you foresee that certain words or phrases could lead to misunderstandings, offense, or negative consequences. It's particularly useful in professional, sensitive, or formal settings.

What's the difference between "avoid saying" and "don't say"?

"Avoid saying" is generally softer and more suggestive, while "don't say" is a direct instruction. "Avoid saying" is often used when giving advice, while "don't say" is used to set boundaries.

What are some common phrases people are told to "avoid saying" in interviews?

Common phrases include generic responses like "I'm a hard worker", or negative statements about previous employers. Instead, focus on specific accomplishments and skills. It's best to refrain from saying anything that lacks concrete evidence or could be seen as unprofessional.