please avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to refrain from doing something or to steer clear of a particular action or behavior. Example: "In our discussions, please avoid interrupting others while they are speaking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Can you please avoid the # during Ramadan?

The Guardian

Please avoid the Central Texas Market Place.

Independent

Can I please avoid being spotted on the plane?

The New Yorker

Also please avoid posting spoilers from the books.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(And please avoid discussing these problems online until after the solutions are due).

The New York Times

If you are British, please avoid the phrases, "loaded nachos" or "all the fixings".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you don't watch shows that include sexual violence, please avoid "Outlander".

The New Yorker

Please avoid any of the "flash" technique not in keeping with the ideals of the Time".

The New Yorker

Feel free to play around with this bit if you like – although please, avoid anything green.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tell us below, and, as always, please avoid spoilers if you've already read the books.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

'Please avoid feel-good flag-waving projects," Zoellick said, ''because building islands of developments in a sea of deprivation won't get us where we need to go".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please avoid" ensure that you are specific when asking someone to not do something to prevent misunderstandings.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "please avoid" in very informal settings can sound overly formal or even passive-aggressive. Consider using a more direct and casual phrasing like "don't" or "try not to" for better rapport.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please avoid" functions as a polite imperative, used to request someone to refrain from doing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used in various contexts, from avoiding spoilers to dangerous areas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

19%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please avoid" is a grammatically correct and versatile imperative used to politely request someone to refrain from a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, with a slightly more formal tone than a simple "don't". Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, it balances politeness with clarity. When using "please avoid", it's important to ensure the context is clear to prevent misunderstandings. For more informal situations, alternatives like "try not to" might be more appropriate. This usage guide provides insights into mastering the art of polite requests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid doing

Slightly less polite and more of a general statement.

please refrain

More concise and polite.

kindly refrain from

More formal and polite.

we request that you avoid

Formal and polite, suitable for official communication.

refrain from

Direct and somewhat formal.

do not

More direct and less polite than the original phrase.

we ask that you don't

Slightly more formal and polite.

try not to

Expresses a preference rather than a command.

it would be appreciated if you avoided

A very polite and indirect request.

abstain from

Very formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "please avoid" in a sentence?

You can use "please avoid" to politely request someone not to do something, such as "Please avoid making noise after 10 PM" or "Please avoid sharing personal information online".

What are some alternatives to "please avoid"?

Alternatives include "kindly refrain from", "refrain from", or "try not to", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "please avoid" or "do not"?

"Please avoid" is generally more polite than "do not". "Do not" is more direct and can sometimes sound harsh, while "please avoid" softens the request.

What's the difference between "please avoid" and "avoid"?

Adding "please" makes the request more polite and courteous. "Avoid" on its own is a simple instruction, while "please avoid" acknowledges the other person's autonomy and encourages cooperation.