must avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

"must avoid" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the need to abstain from or stay away from something. For example: We must avoid eating unhealthy foods if we want to stay healthy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The coalition must avoid a similar, devastating legacy," she warns.

The Guardian

(I must avoid chemotherapy).

The New Yorker

I must avoid bitterness.

The New Yorker

That we must avoid.

The New York Times

Mr Thaksin must avoid interfering.

The Economist

"I must avoid boring you".

The New Yorker

Markham must avoid recognizable scenes.

The New Yorker

Private firms must avoid offending it.

The Economist

We must avoid knee-jerk reactions.

Independent

4. We must avoid a vicious cycle.

The Guardian

"We must avoid chaos fuelled by ambitions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must avoid", clearly state the potential negative consequences if the avoidance is not heeded. This adds weight to your recommendation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "must avoid" in casual conversations can sound overly formal or even alarming. Opt for gentler alternatives like "try to avoid" or "it's best to avoid" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must avoid" functions as a directive, indicating a strong recommendation or necessity to abstain from something. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples, which demonstrate the phrase's role in advising against specific actions or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

21%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must avoid" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase expressing a strong need to prevent something. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its usage is common across diverse contexts, including news, science, and wiki sources, with a neutral to professional register. When writing, remember to use it when there are clear negative consequences and to use alternative expressions such as should evade or "need to prevent" in more informal situations. Employing this phrase judiciously can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to prevent

Highlights the necessity of stopping something from happening, focusing on proactive measures.

have to avert

Stresses the urgency of turning away from something, often implying potential danger.

should evade

Indicates a recommendation to dodge or circumvent something, implying less force than "must avoid".

it is crucial to evade

Emphasizes the significance of avoiding something, with "crucial" highlighting the importance.

ought to circumvent

Suggests a moral duty or strong recommendation to find a way around something, which implies less strength than "must avoid".

it's essential to bypass

Focuses on the necessity of going around something, suggesting a strategic approach.

are obliged to steer clear of

Formal phrasing that emphasizes a duty to stay away from something.

are required to dodge

Implies a rule or law necessitating the avoidance of something.

one is compelled to shun

Highlights a sense of obligation to reject or ignore something, often due to ethical or moral reasons.

it's imperative to preclude

Emphasizes the critical nature of preventing something, often implying significant consequences.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "must avoid" to sound less forceful?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "should evade", "try to avoid", or "it is better to avoid" to soften the tone.

Is "must avoid" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "must avoid" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying a strong recommendation or necessity. However, consider the overall tone of your piece and whether a slightly less direct phrase might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "must avoid" and "should avoid"?

"Must avoid" indicates a stronger obligation or necessity than "should avoid". "Must avoid" suggests that there will be significant negative consequences if the avoidance is not heeded, while "should avoid" is more of a recommendation.

How to use "must avoid" in a sentence?

You can use "must avoid" to express the need to prevent something from happening. For example, "We "must avoid" making similar mistakes in the future" or "The company "must avoid" any actions that could be seen as unethical".