avoid trouble

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "Avoid trouble" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a command or advice used to caution someone against doing things that may cause trouble or difficulty. For example: "The principal warned us to avoid trouble or else we would face serious consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prediction: Lower mid-table, should avoid trouble.

Independent

That doesn't mean you always avoid trouble.

The New York Times - Tech

She has, however, managed to avoid trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

At this Tour, he could not avoid trouble, either.

The New York Times - Sports

This takes discipline, but it can help avoid trouble later.

The New York Times

Fashion houses are now keen to avoid trouble.

The Economist

(Campaigns sometimes give D.J.'s specific playlists to avoid trouble).

The New York Times

The govt. tries to avoid trouble by making occasional concessions.

The New Yorker

Mayweather, 34, must also avoid trouble for one year.

The New York Times - Sports

They help you avoid trouble with the tax man.

Independent

"In the past, we preferred to avoid trouble at all costs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "avoid trouble" to encourage proactive measures aimed at preventing potential problems, rather than reacting to them after they arise.

Common error

Instead of saying "trouble should be avoided", use the active voice: "avoid trouble". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid trouble" functions primarily as an imperative, offering advice or a directive. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its common usage in various contexts, often as a preventative measure against potential negative outcomes. It serves to guide actions towards safety and stability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid trouble" is a common and versatile expression used to advise caution and encourage preventative actions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence across diverse contexts, including news, general advice, and even some professional settings. While suitable for general use, more formal alternatives like "mitigate risks" or "avert issues" might be preferred in specific situations. Remember, as Ludwig suggests, using the active voice when offering this advice makes it more impactful. Overall, understanding the nuances of "avoid trouble" can help you communicate more effectively and encourage others to stay out of harm's way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steer clear of problems

Emphasizes actively maintaining distance from potential issues.

evade complications

Highlights a skillful or strategic avoidance of complex difficulties.

sidestep difficulties

Suggests a nimble maneuver to bypass challenges.

circumvent problems

Implies finding a way around obstacles, often through cleverness.

prevent difficulties

Focuses on proactive measures to stop problems before they arise.

keep out of harm's way

Highlights physical safety and avoiding dangerous situations.

dodge problems

Suggests quick reflexes to evade oncoming issues.

escape difficulties

Focuses on getting free from a difficult situation already in progress.

avert issues

Implies preventing something negative from happening.

mitigate risks

Focuses on reducing the potential negative impact of risks.

FAQs

How can I use "avoid trouble" in a sentence?

You can use "avoid trouble" to give advice, express a desire to stay out of problematic situations, or describe actions taken to prevent issues. For example: "If you want to "avoid trouble", don't get involved in gossip."

What is a more formal way to say "avoid trouble"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "mitigate risks" or "avert issues". These alternatives convey a more professional or academic tone.

What can I say instead of "avoid trouble" in a casual conversation?

In a casual conversation, you could use alternatives such as "steer clear of problems" or "keep out of harm's way". These options are more informal and conversational.

Is it always possible to "avoid trouble"?

While aiming to "avoid trouble" is a good practice, it's not always guaranteed. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, unforeseen circumstances can lead to complications. It's essential to be prepared to handle situations effectively, even when trying to "evade complications".