can be averted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be averted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something undesirable or negative can be prevented or avoided. Example: "With proper planning and precautions, many accidents can be averted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What are the chances that a shutdown can be averted?

Nature

"Those cheap hits can be averted sometimes," Hefner said.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps economic disaster still can be averted, some say.

The New York Times

These tragedies can be averted by a state with a monopoly on violence.

University of California, Berkeley

It seems every catastrophe can be averted if we take fewer than 10 simple steps.

The New York Times - Books

Now that humanity has awakened to its dangers, Mr. Carrey implies, disaster can be averted.

The New York Times

Schumer said he was "very hopeful" a government shutdown can be averted.

The Washington Post

Future damage can be averted only by reducing our use of and dependence on carbon.

The Guardian

If a settlement as I have described can be reached, then military attacks can be averted.

The New Yorker

Yet even if a bust-up can be averted, it would only postpone the reckoning.

The Economist

Latif Rashid, the minister in charge, continues to believe that disaster can be averted.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be averted" to emphasize that a negative outcome is avoidable through specific actions or measures. For example, "A crisis can be averted through proactive communication."

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice with "can be averted". Instead of saying "Mistakes can be averted by careful planning", consider "Careful planning can avert mistakes" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be averted" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility and capability. It suggests that a particular undesirable outcome is not inevitable and that actions can be taken to prevent it. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be averted" is a versatile and commonly used expression that suggests the possibility of preventing undesirable outcomes. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and indicates its frequent use in diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. Alternatives such as "can be prevented" or "can be avoided" offer similar meanings, while nuances differentiate their specific applications. Remember to use "can be averted" to convey hope and agency, emphasizing that proactive measures can influence outcomes. Avoid overusing passive constructions to maintain a direct and impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be prevented

This alternative emphasizes stopping something from happening, similar to averting, but with a more direct connotation of prevention.

can be avoided

This alternative focuses on steering clear of something, implying a conscious effort to evade an undesirable outcome.

can be warded off

This suggests actively deflecting or repelling something, adding a sense of protection against an impending threat.

can be forestalled

This alternative highlights acting in advance to prevent something from occurring, implying preemption.

can be mitigated

This suggests reducing the severity or impact of something, rather than preventing it entirely.

can be counteracted

This implies neutralizing or opposing the effects of something, focusing on reversing negative consequences.

can be remedied

This focuses on fixing or correcting a problem, implying that damage has already occurred but can be addressed.

can be rectified

This suggests setting something right or correcting an error, often implying a formal or official correction.

can be circumvented

This implies finding a way around something, often a rule or obstacle, to avoid its effects.

can be sidestepped

This suggests avoiding something by moving to the side, implying a strategic maneuver to evade a direct confrontation.

FAQs

How can I use "can be averted" in a sentence?

Use "can be averted" to indicate that something negative is preventable. For example, "A government shutdown "can be averted" through bipartisan agreement."

What are some alternatives to "can be averted"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be prevented", "can be avoided", or "can be forestalled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be averted" or "can be avoided"?

Both "can be averted" and "can be avoided" are correct, but "can be averted" often implies a more active effort to prevent something, while "can be avoided" suggests simply steering clear of it. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "can be averted" and "can be mitigated"?

"Can be averted" implies complete prevention, while "can be mitigated" suggests reducing the severity of something that will still occur. A crisis "can be averted", but the impact of climate change can be mitigated.