avoid the need

USAGE SUMMARY

'avoid the need' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something can be prevented or no longer necessary. For example, "By taking preventive measures, we can avoid the need for more expensive repairs later on."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can simple designs avoid the need for complicated accessibility features?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By seizing the day, you may avoid the need to do damage control in the future.

Harvard University

A few at-home tips can help you avoid the need for harsh laxatives.

Harvard University

Such materials avoid the need of external pressure sources or syringe pumps.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

They avoid the need for tall piers and reduce the amount of foundation excavation.

Engineering Geology

The plan would help avoid the need for further austerity measures.

The Guardian - Business

After days of not really talking, we couldn't avoid the need to let it rip.

The New York Times - Magazine

Either way, these products avoid the need to drill holes and string cables.

The New York Times - Tech

Firstly, it would avoid the need for lengthy (and unpredictable) international negotiations on a suitable framework.

The Guardian

Of course, it's better to avoid the need in the first place.

The New York Times - Sports

That would avoid the need to replace someone in another cabinet post.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avoid the need" when describing actions or measures taken to prevent a future requirement or obligation. For example, "Investing in renewable energy can avoid the need for fossil fuels."

Common error

While "avoid the need" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "obviate the necessity" or "eliminate the requirement" in highly formal or academic writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid the need" functions as a purpose connector, indicating an action taken to prevent a future requirement or necessity. It specifies the intended outcome of an action, aiming to make something unnecessary. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

35%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "avoid the need" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that functions as a purpose connector. It conveys the intention to prevent a future requirement or obligation across various contexts. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and applicable in written English. While versatile, consider more formal synonyms in academic settings. The phrase appears most commonly in science, news & media, and formal & business contexts, highlighting its broad relevance. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, writers can effectively communicate preventive actions and intended outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eliminate the necessity

Replaces "avoid" with "eliminate" and "need" with "necessity", emphasizing complete removal of the requirement.

obviate the requirement

Uses a more formal vocabulary, with "obviate" meaning to remove or prevent, and "requirement" replacing "need".

remove the obligation

Focuses on the removal of a duty or commitment, using "obligation" instead of "need".

bypass the necessity

Suggests circumventing or going around a required step or action.

preclude the requirement

Implies preventing a need from arising in the first place, using the more formal term "preclude".

negate the requirement

Focuses on nullifying or canceling out a requirement.

do away with the necessity

Suggests abolishing or getting rid of a necessity.

render unnecessary

Shifts the focus to making something no longer needed or required.

make it unnecessary

A simpler and more direct way of saying something is not required.

preclude the necessity for

This phrase emphasizes preventing the very emergence of a particular need.

FAQs

How can I use "avoid the need" in a sentence?

You can use "avoid the need" to describe actions taken to prevent a requirement. For instance, "Implementing preventative maintenance can avoid the need for costly repairs".

What are some alternatives to "avoid the need"?

Alternatives include "eliminate the necessity", "obviate the requirement", or "bypass the necessity", depending on the context.

Is it better to "avoid the need" or "eliminate the need"?

"Avoid the need" suggests preventing something from becoming necessary, while "eliminate the need" implies removing a pre-existing requirement. The best choice depends on whether the need already exists.

What's the difference between "avoid the need" and "reduce the need"?

"Avoid the need" means preventing a requirement entirely. "Reduce the need", on the other hand, means lessening the extent or frequency of a requirement, not eliminating it completely.