but not to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not to avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or decisions that are taken for reasons other than avoidance. Example: "I will participate in the meeting, but not to avoid any confrontation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But not to avoid it.

The Economist

Island Genetic Algorithms (IGAs) are able to delay efficiently (but not to avoid) the genetic drift.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

Obviously, children who defend themselves are merely able to delay the perpetration but not to avoid it, cf. [ 31].

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

You'll be training your cat to be skittish, but not to avoid the object you want avoided.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

No stranger to avoiding press conferences, but not to avoiding controversial decisions on Champions League nights, such as the defeat to Bayern Munich in 2010, the United manager sent his assistant, Mike Phelan, to face all questions after the game.

The Guardian - Sport

So I'm not endorsing your building your entire company around professional services (although I think that's a fine strategy for many non VC-backed companies) but rather not to avoid it.

TechCrunch

" I was not sure about the complications, but decided not to avoid them").. Fischer is turning into Tal.

Huffington Post

Dan Mori, 32, of Santa Rosa, Calif., said he had changed his vacation plans, but just to avoid flying, not to avoid public places that might be vulnerable.

The New York Times

Other disfigured survivors avoid going out in public, Ms. Fisher said, but she decided early on not to avoid the inevitable stares.

The New York Times

But there is another reason not to avoid twisting: If you think about it, there are very few other ways to strengthen the vertebral bodies.

The New York Times

Berezovsky says he used these offshore havens not to avoid tax but to stop his assets being stolen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not to avoid" to clearly state that the purpose of an action is something other than evasion. This helps to provide context and intent, preventing misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "but not to avoid" when the intention is genuinely to lessen or sidestep a task or responsibility. The phrase is meant to clarify alternative motivations, not to conceal the underlying purpose of evasion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not to avoid" functions as a conjunction, linking a statement with a clarification of intent. It serves to modify or limit the scope of a preceding statement, ensuring the true purpose is understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but not to avoid" is a grammatically sound phrase used to clarify the purpose behind an action, distinguishing it from any implied evasion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively ensures the true motivation is understood, making it a valuable tool in writing and communication. Although used less frequently, it adds precision and prevents misinterpretations. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and general contexts. Alternative phrases, like "yet not for avoidance" or "but not as an escape", can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but with no intention of avoiding

Explicitly mentions that avoidance isn't the goal.

but not as an escape

Clearly states that the action is not a means of escaping.

yet not for avoidance

Emphasizes the presence of an action while negating avoidance as the reason.

while not evading

Focuses on the fact that there's no evasion happening.

though not to evade

Uses 'though' to concede a point, clarifying that evasion is not the motive.

not to dodge, but rather

Contrasts dodging with another, more positive intention.

however, not to shirk

Highlights that shirking responsibility is not the intent.

nonetheless, not for escaping

Indicates an action is taken, but escaping a situation isn't the reason.

not in order to duck

Specifies that 'ducking' or avoiding something is not the purpose.

still, not to circumvent

Shows that the aim isn't to bypass or circumvent something.

FAQs

How can I use "but not to avoid" in a sentence?

You can use "but not to avoid" to clarify that an action is being taken for reasons other than to evade something. For example: "I'm addressing this issue, but not to avoid other responsibilities."

What does "but not to avoid" mean?

"But not to avoid" means that while someone is addressing a situation, their primary intention isn't to evade another one. It clarifies the purpose behind an action.

What can I say instead of "but not to avoid"?

You can use alternatives like "yet not for avoidance", "though not to evade", or "but not as an escape" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but not to avoid"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It's used to specify that an action has a purpose other than evasion or avoidance, as Ludwig AI also confirms.