avoiding suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoiding suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing strategies, philosophies, or approaches aimed at minimizing pain or distress. Example: "Many philosophies focus on the importance of avoiding suffering as a key to achieving happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But life, he argues, is not about avoiding suffering.

The New Yorker

No doubt he would have complained that much contemporary culture is geared more to avoiding suffering, or compensating for it, than to making it meaningful.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he said: "Well, wouldn't it be great if it did?" His view was that life wasn't about avoiding suffering, it's about making meaning.

The Guardian - Books

If avoiding suffering is the goal, there is little principled basis to object to the painless extinction of a whole species.

The New Yorker

"I have every intention of getting back to my best form and avoiding suffering from even worse pain in the future".

The New York Times - Sports

Surveys of patients with terminal illness find that their top priorities include, in addition to avoiding suffering, being with family, having the touch of others, being mentally aware, and not becoming a burden to others.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"They do everything to avoid suffering".

The New York Times

"What they want is to avoid suffering, to be with their families, to be mentally aware".

The New York Times

Excalibur was "sedated beforehand to avoid suffering," Madrid's regional health agency said in a statement.

Independent

Germany has avoided suffering any major terrorist attacks since Sept. 11, but it has come close.

The New York Times

"We can test the market and avoid suffering from our mistakes," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical or philosophical viewpoints, use "avoiding suffering" to highlight a proactive approach to minimizing pain and distress for oneself and others.

Common error

Avoid using "avoiding suffering" as a blanket solution to all problems. Recognize that some forms of discomfort can lead to growth and resilience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoiding suffering" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of preventing or evading pain, distress, or hardship. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "avoiding suffering" is a grammatically sound and conceptually important expression used across various domains. It functions as a gerund phrase, communicating the intention to minimize pain and distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and applicable in written English.

While the phrase sees substantial use in “News & Media” and “Science”, its neutral register makes it suitable for everyday conversations. When employing this phrase, remember that complete avoidance isn't always possible or even desirable, as some forms of suffering can promote personal growth. Consider alternatives like "preventing pain" or "minimizing distress" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preventing suffering

Focuses more directly on stopping suffering before it occurs, rather than the general act of avoiding it.

minimizing pain

Emphasizes reducing the intensity of pain, which may include both physical and emotional discomfort.

alleviating distress

Specifically targets emotional or psychological suffering, offering relief from mental anguish.

reducing hardship

Addresses suffering in the context of difficult life circumstances or material deprivation.

averting pain

Implies a proactive effort to turn away from potential sources of pain or discomfort.

warding off suffering

Suggests actively defending against suffering, as if it were an external threat.

circumventing distress

Focuses on finding a way around situations that cause suffering, often through clever or strategic means.

evading anguish

Highlights the act of escaping from severe mental or emotional pain.

forestalling misery

Stresses the importance of acting in advance to prevent future unhappiness or suffering.

shunning affliction

Implies a deliberate rejection and avoidance of sources of pain or hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "avoiding suffering" in a sentence?

You can use "avoiding suffering" to describe actions or philosophies that prioritize minimizing pain, such as, "The doctor's primary goal was "avoiding suffering" for the terminally ill patient".

What are some alternative ways to express the concept of "avoiding suffering"?

Alternatives include "preventing pain", "minimizing distress", or "alleviating hardship", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always desirable to focus on "avoiding suffering"?

While minimizing unnecessary pain is generally positive, some argue that experiencing and overcoming certain challenges can foster resilience and growth. Therefore, completely "avoiding suffering" might not always be the best approach.

What is the difference between "avoiding suffering" and "reducing suffering"?

"Avoiding suffering" implies preventing pain or distress from occurring in the first place, while "reducing suffering" focuses on lessening the impact of pain that already exists. For example, preventative medicine aims at "avoiding suffering", while palliative care focuses on "reducing suffering".