avoid the trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid the trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to steer clear of potential difficulties or complications. Example: "To ensure a smooth process, it's best to avoid the trouble of last-minute changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Instead most Pakistanis drifted home after Friday Prayer, apparently keen to avoid the trouble.

The New York Times

"I was just trying to get home to avoid the trouble".

The Guardian

To avoid the trouble of modern airline security, firearms and ammunition have been stocked for rental.

The New York Times - Sports

The F.D.A. and the drug's maker, Bayer, cooperated in warning patients and doctors how to avoid the trouble.

The New York Times - Science

(Miami Velvet is B.Y.O.B., to avoid the trouble of securing a liquor license, so Stone had brought along a bottle of the brand p.i.n.k).

The New Yorker

For shoppers, the service means they can avoid the trouble of driving to the store and some of the wait for items ordered online.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Nintendo executives suggested that they wanted to avoid the troubles of Sony, which frustrated retailers and consumers last year when production woes caused it to ship fewer PlayStation 2 consoles than anticipated.

The New York Times

But it sounds like if you want a quality Android experience, at the moment it's far more practical to spend just a little more and avoid the troubles that accompany cost-cutting measures.

TechCrunch

He avoided the trouble that befell several other top competitors, including Danica Patrick.

The New York Times - Sports

Through nine holes, Dufner was doing a masterful job of avoiding the trouble that was snaring so many others.

The New York Times

Instead, they record the programs on the cable operator's centralized servers, saving money and avoiding the trouble of installation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or giving advice, use "avoid the trouble" to encourage readers to take proactive steps that will lead to a smoother, more efficient outcome.

Common error

The word "trouble" doesn't always imply severe danger. Overusing it in contexts where the potential consequences are minor can sound exaggerated. Make sure the level of "trouble" matches the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid the trouble" functions as an infinitive phrase that often acts as an adverbial modifier, indicating purpose or reason. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it explains why someone takes a particular action, such as avoiding airline security or debt consolidation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid the trouble" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to suggest preventing difficulties or complications. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase is versatile, appearing in news, scientific, and general contexts, indicating a neutral register. For more formal settings, alternatives like "mitigate the risk" or "circumvent the issue" might be more appropriate. When using this phrase, ensure the level of "trouble" aligns with the situation's potential consequences to avoid exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steer clear of the issue

Emphasizes deliberately avoiding something problematic or controversial.

sidestep the difficulty

Implies a more active maneuver to evade a specific, identified difficulty.

prevent the problem

Focuses on stopping a problem from occurring in the first place.

circumvent the issue

Suggests finding a way around an obstacle or problem, often cleverly.

bypass the complication

Highlights going around a complex or intricate situation to achieve a goal.

obviate the need

Emphasizes eliminating the necessity for something, thereby avoiding associated trouble.

mitigate the risk

Focuses on reducing the potential negative impact of a risk, rather than avoiding trouble entirely.

head off the problem

Suggests proactively stopping a problem before it escalates.

avert the crisis

Implies preventing a critical or disastrous situation.

ward off the difficulty

Conveys a sense of actively defending against an impending difficulty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "avoid the trouble" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "mitigate the risk", "obviate the need", or "circumvent the issue" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What's a simple way to explain what "avoid the trouble" means?

Simply put, "avoid the trouble" means to prevent problems or difficulties from happening. It's about taking steps to ensure a smoother outcome by steering clear of potential issues.

When is it best to use "avoid the trouble" instead of "solve the trouble"?

"Avoid the trouble" is best used when you can take preventative measures to stop a problem before it starts. "Solve the trouble" is for situations where the problem already exists and needs a resolution.

Is there a difference between "avoid the trouble" and "avoid the problem"?

While similar, "avoid the trouble" often implies avoiding a series of smaller difficulties or inconveniences, whereas "avoid the problem" typically refers to sidestepping a specific, identifiable issue.