make an effort to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an effort to avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of trying to prevent something from happening or to steer clear of a particular situation. Example: "In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is essential to make an effort to avoid processed foods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Communications professors aren't equipped to provide counseling, and they make an effort to avoid talking about their students' feelings.

The New York Times

Mr. Brown appears to make an effort to avoid plugging the sport's many corporate sponsors, though it's impossible to keep the omnipresent logos off screen.

The New York Times

Illegal immigrants actually commit fewer crimes than U.S. citizens, as they often "make an effort to avoid any sort of legal situation," says Mr. Ramos.

The New York Times

Although I would not suggest overeating to the point of collapse, this is a good time to enjoy foods that during the rest of the year you might make an effort to avoid.

The New York Times

At the same time, some of the medical explanations on the site would bring slumber to an insomniac, although the site does make an effort to avoid such tedium by offering separate sections for health care providers.

The New York Times - Travel

"We make an effort to avoid talking about time, "Manfred said.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

On the whole, however, Mr. Babbitt made an effort to avoid sensitive lands.

The New York Times

Mr. Lazio, who has expressed some ambivalence about negative campaigning, made an effort to avoid them.

The New York Times

Museum officials are still gamely trying to celebrate the institution's 20th anniversary, making an effort to avoid dwelling on the theft.

The New York Times

Surely, I said, he must have made an effort to avoid having his men on the forward lines, where they might kill his real allies?

The New Yorker

I spent 18 hours of solid play getting through the main story in Assassin's Creed II while making an effort to avoid distraction.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, specify the exact action or outcome you are trying to avoid after using the phrase "make an effort to avoid". This provides context and improves understanding.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "make an effort to avoid" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "try to avoid" or "be careful to avoid" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an effort to avoid" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate attempt to prevent something from happening. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an effort to avoid" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys a deliberate attempt to prevent or stay clear of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various writing contexts, especially in news and media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives such as ""try to prevent"" or ""be careful to steer clear of"" exist, the choice depends on the desired level of formality and nuance. It's best to be specific about what one is avoiding for clarity and use simpler alternatives in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be careful to steer clear of

Emphasizes caution and careful navigation to avoid something.

try to prevent

Focuses on actively stopping something from happening, rather than just steering clear.

take precautions to dodge

Focuses on taking preventative measures to avoid something quickly or unexpectedly.

seek to avert

Emphasizes the intention to ward off or prevent something, often a negative outcome.

take steps to evade

Implies a more strategic or calculated approach to avoiding something.

endeavor to forestall

Highlights an attempt to prevent something from happening by acting in advance.

aim to preclude

Highlights the goal of making something impossible or preventing it from occurring.

work to sidestep

Implies maneuvering around something, often a challenge or obstacle.

go out of one's way to circumvent

Suggests a deliberate and potentially elaborate plan to bypass something.

make a point of shunning

Indicates a conscious and deliberate avoidance, often of something disliked.

FAQs

How can I use "make an effort to avoid" in a sentence?

You can use "make an effort to avoid" to describe actions taken to prevent something from happening. For example, "They "make an effort to avoid" processed foods to maintain a healthy diet".

What can I say instead of "make an effort to avoid"?

You can use alternatives like "try to prevent", "be careful to steer clear of", or "seek to avert" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "make an effort to avoid" or "try to avoid"?

Both phrases are correct, but "try to avoid" is generally less formal and more commonly used in everyday conversation. "Make an effort to avoid" can sound more deliberate or official.

What is the difference between "make an effort to avoid" and "avoid"?

"Avoid" simply means to stay away from something. "Make an effort to avoid" implies a conscious and deliberate attempt to stay away, suggesting that it might require some extra work or attention.