it is best to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is best to avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to steer clear of a particular action or situation for better outcomes. Example: "When dealing with sensitive topics, it is best to avoid making assumptions about others' feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is best to avoid surprises.

University of California, Berkeley

It is best to avoid mixing different kinds of code.

Yale University

It is best to avoid the beginnings of evil".

The New Yorker

Generally, it is best to avoid making eye contact with Elliot.

The New Yorker

It is best to avoid this situation if you have the depth until the smoke clears.

The New York Times - Sports

It is best to avoid simplistic terms like "food desert" when solving complex social problems.

The New York Times

Since it is best to avoid time-constrained observations, a good roll angle for NGC4051 is for example 120 degrees.

Harvard University

It is best to avoid swallowing a mouthful of the river; about a dozen rowers a year get the runs.

The Economist

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet Generally, it is best to avoid making eye contact with Elliot.

The New Yorker

Schulz points to Thoreau's refusal of a doormat for his cabin: "It is best to avoid the beginnings of evil".

The New Yorker

If you are expecting a drug test, it is best to avoid poppy seeds for at least several days beforehand.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice using "it is best to avoid", clearly state the potential negative consequences of not heeding the advice. This provides context and reinforces the importance of your recommendation.

Common error

While useful, relying too heavily on "it is best to avoid" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "it's advisable to refrain from" or "it's wiser to steer clear of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is best to avoid" functions as an advisory expression, offering guidance or recommendations. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English. It suggests a course of action to prevent undesirable outcomes, similar to examples found in academic, news, and wiki sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

32%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is best to avoid" is a versatile phrase used to offer advice and recommend against certain actions, supported by Ludwig's validation. It's prevalent across various contexts, including wiki articles, news reports, and scientific publications, reflecting a generally neutral register. To enhance your writing, remember to provide clear reasons for your recommendations and avoid overusing the phrase by exploring synonyms like "it's advisable to refrain from" or "it's wiser to steer clear of". According to Ludwig, this expression is considered correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's advisable to refrain from

Emphasizes prudence and careful consideration.

it's wiser to steer clear of

Highlights the potential negative consequences of not avoiding something.

it would be prudent to avoid

Suggests a cautious approach.

it's recommended that you don't

Provides a formal recommendation against something.

it's preferable to not engage in

Emphasizes a chosen course of action for better results.

it's better to stay away from

Implies a potential danger or negative outcome.

one should try to prevent

Focuses on proactive prevention of a situation.

it's a good idea to dodge

Uses an informal term implying evasion.

it's safer to not get involved with

Focuses on security and risk.

it's crucial to sidestep

Suggests carefully maneuvering around an issue.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is best to avoid"?

You can use alternatives like "it's advisable to refrain from", "it's wiser to steer clear of", or "it would be prudent to avoid" depending on the context.

How do I use "it is best to avoid" in a sentence?

Use "it is best to avoid" to offer advice or recommendations against certain actions or situations, often followed by an explanation of why. For example, "It is best to avoid making assumptions" or "It is best to avoid traveling during peak hours."

When is it appropriate to use "it is best to avoid"?

This phrase is suitable for offering guidance in situations where a particular action could lead to negative consequences. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, though the tone can be adjusted with synonyms for more formal or casual advice.

Is "it is best to avoid" always a negative statement?

Yes, "it is best to avoid" inherently carries a negative connotation, as it suggests steering clear of something potentially harmful or undesirable. However, the overall intent is to offer helpful advice.