recommend avoiding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recommend avoiding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that someone should not engage in a particular action or behavior. Example: "In this situation, I recommend avoiding any unnecessary risks to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Medical authorities also recommend avoiding excessive exposure to the sun.

The New York Times - Science

They recommend avoiding stereotypes and presenting Muslim Americans "acting as Americans".

The New York Times - Books

They also recommend avoiding driving or moving around at night, but coastal areas are pretty safe.

The Guardian - Travel

Experts recommend avoiding risky investments if your financial goals are short term.

The New York Times

Based on a number of studies, I would recommend avoiding corticosteroid injections entirely for tennis elbow".

The New York Times - Health

This may have a role for athletes, but generally I recommend avoiding foods with significant quantities of added sugar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Have things really gotten so bad that you actually recommend avoiding open conversation in favor of spying on loved ones?

The New York Times - Tech

"I would recommend avoiding all electronic communication to any N.I.H. office," one scientist warned in one of many e-mail notes buzzing among AIDS researchers.

The New York Times

Incidentally, for those of a psychologically malleable bent, I would recommend avoiding King of Comedy's Rupert Pupkin entirely until imperviously well-adjusted.

The Guardian - Film

But unless a food allergy is proved, the panel does not recommend avoiding foods to control allergic dermatitis, asthma or inflammation of the esophagus.

The New York Times - Health

Other experts recommend avoiding meat that is not well done, because of E. coli and other pathogens that meat processors are unable or unwilling to eliminate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, clearly state the reasons why you "recommend avoiding" something to provide context and justification for your recommendation. This can enhance the credibility and impact of your guidance.

Common error

While "recommend avoiding" is generally acceptable, excessively using it in highly formal or academic writing can make your advice sound less authoritative. Instead, consider stronger, more direct alternatives like "it is imperative to avoid" or "one should abstain from" to enhance the impact of your guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recommend avoiding" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to advise against or suggest caution regarding a specific action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "recommend avoiding" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for advising against certain actions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile, though more formal alternatives exist for specific settings. When using the phrase, providing clear reasons strengthens its impact. For related phrases, consider "advise against" or "suggest steering clear of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caution against

Highlights the potential risks or negative consequences of an action.

advise against

Offers a formal caution or warning against a specific course of action.

warn against

Provides a strong warning about potential dangers or problems associated with something.

discourage from

Actively dissuades someone from pursuing a particular course of action.

suggest steering clear of

Emphasizes the act of keeping a distance from something, implying potential danger or unpleasantness.

urge not to

Implies a strong encouragement to avoid something, often due to serious consequences.

suggest refraining from

Suggests holding back from doing something, often for reasons of politeness or caution.

counsel to avoid

Offers advice to keep away from something, often in a professional or advisory capacity.

endorse abstaining from

Formally supports the decision to not engage in something.

advocate shunning

Promotes the avoidance of something, typically due to moral or ethical reasons.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "recommend avoiding" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "advise against", "suggest abstaining from", or "caution against". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "recommend avoiding"?

The phrase "recommend avoiding" is suitable for various contexts, including health advice, financial guidance, and general recommendations. It suggests caution without being overly forceful. See Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "recommend avoiding" and "suggest avoiding"?

"Recommend avoiding" implies a stronger level of advice compared to "suggest avoiding". While a suggestion offers a possible course of action, a recommendation carries more weight and often stems from expertise or experience.

Are there situations where I should NOT use "recommend avoiding"?

Avoid using "recommend avoiding" in situations where a strict prohibition is necessary. In those cases, phrases like "must not", "is forbidden", or "is strictly prohibited" are more appropriate.