in order to avoid embarrassment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in order to avoid embarrassment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the purpose of an action taken to prevent feelings of shame or awkwardness. Example: "She decided to change her outfit in order to avoid embarrassment at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"In order to avoid embarrassment to the government and maintain peace and harmony in Parliament, my leader has advised me to resign," Mr. Raja said Sunday.

The New York Times - Tech

Then, after a pause, he added, "I don't have that much money"—that is, not enough to let him tip a full twenty dollars in order to avoid embarrassment.

The New Yorker

A "When announcing the results of an election of directors," said Arthur I. Weinstein, a Manhattan lawyer, "many co-op boards refrain from announcing the number of votes received by each candidate in order to avoid embarrassment to losing candidates".

The New York Times

Stan tries to persuade Randy to tell the truth about the stolen magnet, but Randy refuses in order to avoid embarrassment.

Wikipedia

Denture problems also lead to social isolation, in order to avoid embarrassment from denture displacement, pain and discomfort during meals.

Clinical interventions in aging

In the case study, for example, the three groups of participants may have over-reported their preparedness in order to avoid embarrassment or judgement.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The next year, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, a left-wing populist who was then President of Argentina, conducted official business aboard a commercial jet in order to avoid the embarrassment of having her own plane impounded.

The New Yorker

Some observers contend that the Canadian attitude changed in order to avoid international embarrassment.

Globalization and Health

(53 90) In some cases older people did not want to return to a dentist in order to avoid the embarrassment of a situation where they could not afford treatment as demonstrated below: My daughter said, 'You should have said that you can't afford it.'; but I didn't like to, so I think I'm not going back.

BMC Oral Health

In some cases, this is because knowledge is deliberately concealed by those who hold it, in order to avoid individual or organizational responsibility or embarrassment" (p. 108).

BioSocieties

(c) avoid honking, in order to avoid disturbing residents.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in order to avoid embarrassment", ensure the context clearly explains what specific action is being taken and why it prevents potential embarrassment.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "in order to avoid embarrassment" can make writing sound stilted. In less formal contexts, consider simpler alternatives like "to avoid embarrassment" or "to prevent awkwardness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order to avoid embarrassment" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it explains why something is done – specifically, to prevent feelings of shame or awkwardness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in order to avoid embarrassment" serves as a purpose connector, explaining the motivation behind an action aimed at preventing awkwardness or shame. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, although simpler alternatives like "to avoid embarrassment" may be preferred in less formal settings. The phrase is most commonly found in news, science, and wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While grammatically sound and widely understood, mindful use and awareness of context can help writers craft more effective and engaging prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to prevent embarrassment

This is a more concise and direct alternative, removing "in order" for brevity.

so as to avoid embarrassment

This alternative uses a different introductory phrase with similar meaning.

to evade embarrassment

Changes the verb from "avoid" to "evade", suggesting a more strategic attempt to sidestep embarrassment.

for fear of embarrassment

Indicates the action is driven by a fear of the potential embarrassment.

to circumvent embarrassment

Implies actively finding a way around a situation that could cause embarrassment.

in an effort to avoid embarrassment

Emphasizes the deliberate attempt to prevent embarrassment.

with the aim of avoiding embarrassment

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of the action taken.

to preclude embarrassment

Uses the verb "preclude", indicating an effort to make embarrassment impossible.

to steer clear of embarrassment

Suggests navigating away from situations likely to cause embarrassment.

in order to maintain dignity

Focuses on preserving one's dignity, a related but broader concept than avoiding embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "in order to avoid embarrassment" in a sentence?

Use "in order to avoid embarrassment" to explain the reason behind an action taken to prevent a potentially awkward or shameful situation. For example, "She decided to decline the invitation "in order to avoid embarrassment" at the party".

What are some alternatives to "in order to avoid embarrassment"?

You can use alternatives like "to prevent embarrassment", "so as to avoid embarrassment", or "for fear of embarrassment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in order to avoid embarrassment" or "to avoid embarrassment"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "to avoid embarrassment" is more concise and often preferred in modern writing. "In order to avoid embarrassment" can sound slightly more formal or emphatic.

When should I use "in order to avoid embarrassment" instead of a simpler phrase?

Use "in order to avoid embarrassment" when you want to emphasize the purpose or intention behind an action, particularly in formal writing or when the potential for embarrassment is a significant concern.