keen to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keen to avoid' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone as being eager or enthusiastic about avoiding something. For example: He was keen to avoid mistakes after his previous blunders.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Solbakken, keen to avoid confrontation, refused.

The Guardian - Sport

PPR will be keen to avoid a downgrade.

The Economist

Fashion houses are now keen to avoid trouble.

The Economist

Oxford-educated Mr Abhisit is keen to avoid a repeat.

The Economist

They will be keen to avoid costly lawsuits.

The Economist

They are usually keen to avoid civilian operations.

The Guardian

But Mr Noboa seems keen to avoid a rupture.

The Economist

He was keen to avoid an Islamist President.

The New Yorker

They are keen to avoid demonstrations by protesters in wheelchairs.

The Economist

George Osborne, the Chancellor, is keen to avoid a repeat.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Reds were keen to avoid striking out against Kershaw.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "keen to avoid" with specific actions or strategies to show how the avoidance is being implemented. For example, "The company is keen to avoid lawsuits by implementing stricter safety measures."

Common error

Avoid using "keen to avoid" in situations where the subject has no agency or ability to prevent the outcome. It implies active intent, so passive or unavoidable scenarios are not appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen to avoid" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, followed by an infinitive verb, indicating a strong desire or willingness to prevent something from occurring. Ludwig's examples show its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keen to avoid" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express a strong desire to prevent something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers various real-world examples. Predominantly found in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, it conveys intent and determination. For effective writing, remember that the phrase implies active agency. Consider alternatives like "eager to evade" to add nuance. Using "keen to avoid" accurately enhances clarity and impact, as supported by Ludwig's extensive database.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to evade

Emphasizes a strong desire to escape or elude something.

anxious to steer clear of

Highlights worry or concern while avoiding something.

desirous of preventing

More formal, focusing on the wish to stop something from happening.

determined to avert

Suggests a firm resolution to ward off something negative.

intent on dodging

Implies a deliberate effort to sidestep or evade something.

set on evading

Highlights a focused approach toward avoiding something.

wanting to preclude

Formal, emphasizing the desire to make something impossible.

wishing to sidestep

Suggests a desire to bypass or maneuver around something.

hopeful to circumvent

Expresses optimism in finding a way around something.

inclined to bypass

Indicates a preference for avoiding direct engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "keen to avoid" in a sentence?

Use "keen to avoid" to show someone's strong desire to prevent something. For example, "The government is "keen to avoid" a recession."

What are some alternatives to "keen to avoid"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to evade", "anxious to steer clear of", or "desirous of preventing" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "keen to avoid" or "eager to avoid"?

Both "keen to avoid" and "eager to avoid" are correct and similar in meaning. "Keen" might suggest a slightly more strategic or determined approach, while "eager" implies enthusiasm.

What's the difference between "keen to avoid" and "reluctant to embrace"?

"Keen to avoid" implies a proactive desire to prevent something negative, whereas "reluctant to embrace" suggests a hesitation or unwillingness to accept or adopt something new or different.