must be avoided

USAGE SUMMARY

'must be avoided' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something is necessary to avoid, such a situation or consequence. For example, "Driving while under the influence of alcohol must be avoided to reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Germs must be avoided.

The New York Times - Sports

Risk must be avoided.

The Guardian

These pitfalls must be avoided.

The New York Times

Such instability must be avoided in design.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Lunchbreaks, paydays - clearly they must be avoided.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Awkwardness must be avoided at all costs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Obviously conflicts of interest must be avoided.

The New York Times

Writing carefully, dangling participles must be avoided.

The New York Times

Premature biodegradation and insect infestation must be avoided.

Environmentally Compatible Food Packaging

and must be avoided in wheat growing areas.

Industrial Crops and Products

There are some stories which plainly must be avoided.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be avoided" in formal writing, ensure the sentence clearly articulates the negative consequence of not avoiding the subject, thus emphasizing the importance of the avoidance.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "must be avoided" in very casual conversation can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "try to avoid" or "best to skip" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be avoided" functions as a directive, indicating a strong necessity to prevent or circumvent something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from preventing instability in design to avoiding awkwardness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

47%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be avoided" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a strong need for prevention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, especially formal and scientific writing. While very common in News & Media and Science, it's essential to consider the register and choose less forceful alternatives in informal settings. Remember to clearly state the negative consequences to emphasize the necessity of avoidance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "must be avoided" to convey a sense of urgency and importance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not occur

Directly states the necessity of something not taking place.

should be prevented

Emphasizes a recommendation rather than a strict necessity.

needs to be averted

Focuses on preventing something from happening, often with a sense of urgency.

has to be precluded

Highlights the importance of making something impossible.

has to be guarded against

Emphasizes the need for vigilance and protection.

ought to be circumvented

Suggests finding a way around something, implying a degree of cleverness or strategy.

should be evaded

Implies skillfully escaping or dodging something.

needs to be dodged

Focuses on quickly moving out of the way of something undesirable.

must not be tolerated

Highlights the unacceptability of something, implying a need for active opposition.

should not be undergone

Focuses on the process of experiencing something, suggesting the experience should be bypassed.

FAQs

How can I use "must be avoided" in a sentence?

The phrase "must be avoided" indicates something should definitely not be done or encountered. For example, "Conflicts of interest must be avoided to maintain impartiality."

What are some alternatives to saying "must be avoided"?

You can use alternatives such as "should be prevented", "needs to be averted", or "has to be precluded" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "must to be avoided"?

No, the correct phrasing is "must be avoided". The word "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "should be avoided" and "must be avoided"?

"Must be avoided" implies a stronger necessity than "should be avoided". "Must" indicates an obligation or critical need, while "should" suggests a recommendation.