avoid taking action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid taking action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing strategies or recommendations to refrain from making a decision or initiating a response in a particular situation. Example: "In this case, it may be wise to avoid taking action until we have more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He rebuked officials hiding "behind minor institutional or technical difficulties in order to avoid taking action".

The New York Times

They find the status quo comfortable, and they avoid taking action that would upset it.

Harvard Business Review

Kathleen Jaeger, head of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association, insists that officials must avoid taking action that "sweeps the bad settlements in with the good settlements".

The Economist

"If indeed there is calm and there is no terror, Israel will make every effort to avoid taking action against terrorists," Mr. Sharon said Sunday.

The New York Times

Companies often avoid taking action, though, and most incidents go unreported, partly because employees know nothing will come of a report.

Harvard Business Review

The relationship as a whole is not adequately institutionalized, and depends on the personal attention of Russian officials who will likely avoid taking action without clear direction from Putin, or who may be removed altogether during the transition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He said that the US should try to maintain a "respectful relationship with Russia" and avoid taking actions that the Russians might view as a provocation, such as seeking to have Ukraine join NATO or otherwise interfering in Russia's relationship with Ukraine.

Wikipedia

Ryan McKnight, executive director of the foundation, said in an interview that his group has released private documents showing that the Mormon Church has avoided taking action on allegations of purported child abuse.

HuffPost

While the USCIRF has been making this particular recommendation since 2002, the State Department has avoided taking action apparently because of the fear of annoying Pakistan, Washington's defiant ally in the war on terror.

Huffington Post

They felt they were hemmed in and, in avoiding taking action, assumed a defensive attitude.

BMC Medical Ethics

One reason international financial officials had considered active American support for the euro unlikely is that the Clinton administration has generally avoided taking actions that might prove detrimental to Vice President Al Gore's presidential campaign, which depends in part on the continued robustness of the American economy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avoid taking action" when you want to recommend pausing or carefully considering a situation before responding, especially when the potential consequences are uncertain.

Common error

Don't automatically use "avoid taking action" as a default response. Sometimes, inaction can be more detrimental than making a calculated decision. Consider whether a proactive approach might be necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid taking action" functions as a directive or recommendation, advising against initiating a response or decision in a given scenario. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and usable. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from international relations to personal decision-making.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "avoid taking action" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that suggests refraining from immediate action, typically to allow for further deliberation or to prevent unintended negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to professional register. When deciding whether to use this phrase, carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of both action and inaction, and ensure that inaction is indeed the most prudent course.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from acting

A more formal way of saying "avoid taking action", emphasizing self-restraint.

remain inactive

Focuses on maintaining a state of non-action.

abstain from intervening

Highlights the avoidance of getting involved in a situation.

hold back from acting

Focuses on the suppression of an impulse to act.

not take steps

Implies a lack of forward movement or progress due to inaction.

desist from acting

A more legalistic or formal way to express stopping an action.

forgo taking action

Emphasizes the deliberate choice to not act.

shun involvement

Indicates a strong desire to stay away from participation or action.

evade intervention

Suggests actively escaping a situation where action might be required.

passivity

Suggests a general state of inaction, lacking initiative.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to "avoid taking action"?

It's appropriate to "avoid taking action" when you need more information, when the potential consequences are unclear, or when immediate action could worsen the situation. Consider alternatives like "delay action" or "postpone action" depending on the context.

What are some situations where you should not "avoid taking action"?

You should not "avoid taking action" when immediate intervention is required to prevent harm, when a clear opportunity arises, or when inaction could lead to significant negative consequences. In such cases, consider "taking immediate action" instead.

How can I decide whether to "avoid taking action" or to act?

Assess the potential risks and benefits of both action and inaction. Consider the urgency of the situation and whether more information is needed. If the potential benefits of acting outweigh the risks, and immediate action is necessary, then don't "avoid taking action".

What is the difference between "avoid taking action" and "refrain from acting"?

"Avoid taking action" generally suggests a strategic decision to postpone or forgo action, while "refrain from acting" often implies a deliberate suppression of an impulse or desire to act, usually for moral or ethical reasons. The former is more about prudence, the latter about self-control.