should be avoiding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be avoiding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone ought to refrain from a particular action or behavior. Example: "In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should be avoiding processed foods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Ryanair's main aim should be avoiding flabby middle age itself.

The Economist

"Logically, if we don't understand the risk then we should be avoiding it.

The Guardian

That's why we should be avoiding the kinds of constant brinksmanship.

The New York Times

With smart grids and the increasingly sophisticated energy storage solutions available, the UK should be avoiding energy shortages in the future and leading the way in putting power in the hands of local people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Any excess consumption of stimulants does increase the risk of symptomatic and distressing palpitations for many people and children in particular should be avoiding energy drinks as much as possible especially as they may also trigger sudden cardiac death in vulnerable people.

Independent

Another important concern for policy-makers should be avoiding multiple disadvantages through the welfare state.

Journal for Labour Market Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Pacifiers should be avoided.

The New York Times

Violence should be avoided.

The New Yorker

Patterns should be avoided.

The Guardian

This should be avoided".

The Guardian

Otherwise, it should be avoided.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone on health, be specific about what they "should be avoiding". For example, instead of saying "You should be avoiding unhealthy habits", specify "You should be avoiding sugary drinks and processed foods".

Common error

Avoid using "should be avoiding" without specifying the object of avoidance. For example, saying "Everyone should be avoiding that" is less effective than saying "Consumers should be avoiding products with excessive packaging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be avoiding" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing advice or recommendation. It suggests that a particular action or behavior is undesirable and ought to be refrained from. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be avoiding" is a common and grammatically sound way to offer advice or recommendations against certain actions or behaviors. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. The phrase conveys a sense of caution or advisability, suggesting that refraining from something is in one's best interest. While versatile, it's important to be specific about what one "should be avoiding" to provide clear and actionable guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility, making it a reliable choice for expressing cautionary advice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to avoid

Replaces the auxiliary verbs with a semi-modal verb, indicating obligation or advisability.

must refrain from

Uses a stronger modal verb and a more formal verb to convey a stronger sense of obligation.

need to eschew

Employs a more sophisticated verb, 'eschew', which means to deliberately avoid using or participating in something.

should abstain from

Replaces 'avoiding' with 'abstain from', suggesting a conscious and voluntary restraint.

better to bypass

Offers a more direct and slightly less formal way to express avoidance, focusing on skipping or overlooking something.

it's best to circumvent

Suggests finding a way around something, often to avoid a problem or obstacle.

advise against

Uses an indirect way to dissuade one from a certain action, therefore it changes the construction of the sentence.

are recommended to not use

Shifts the focus to a recommendation, emphasizing caution rather than a strict prohibition.

it is preferable to evade

Highlights the preference for dodging or escaping something, framing avoidance as a strategic choice.

stay clear of

Uses a more informal, idiomatic expression to convey the idea of keeping away from something.

FAQs

How can I use "should be avoiding" in a sentence?

Use "should be avoiding" to advise against certain actions or substances. For example: "Children "should be avoiding" excessive screen time".

What can I say instead of "should be avoiding"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to avoid", "must refrain from", or "need to eschew" depending on the level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "should be avoiding"?

It's appropriate when offering advice or recommendations to prevent negative outcomes. For instance, "Travelers "should be avoiding" areas with political unrest".

What's the difference between "should be avoiding" and "should avoid"?

"Should be avoiding" implies a continuous action or process of refraining, while "should avoid" is a general recommendation. For example, "You "should be avoiding" late-night snacks" suggests an ongoing effort, whereas "You "should avoid" that restaurant" is a one-time recommendation.