so as to avert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so as to avert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the purpose of an action, specifically to prevent something undesirable from happening. Example: "She took precautions so as to avert any potential accidents during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The goal of a stimulus plan should be to support overall spending, so as to avert or limit the depth of a recession.

The New York Times

When the mechanism comes to light, it may be possible to design drugs that interfere with it so as to avert the risk.

The New York Times - Health

They didn't – and still don't – know who the young man was who stepped forward to hand over cash on their behalf so as to avert a scene.

The Guardian - Sport

Speaking before he left Tokyo, Mr. Noda told reporters that he planned "to exchange views and information in detail so as to avert a harmful effect on peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula".

The New York Times

The international community's response to tensions arising from the sinking of the South Korean naval vessel was clearly outlined in the July 9th United Nations Security Council statement, which calls urgently "for full adherence to the Korean Armistice Agreement" and "the settlement of outstanding issues" through "direct dialogue and negotiation" so as to avert "escalation".

The New York Times

The first articulation of the providential theory, Genesis 50 20, shows that Joseph's envious brothers had inadvertently performed God's will when they sold him into slavery, since he rose to high office in Egypt, managed the food supply so as to avert famine, and so had food to give his brothers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Hopefully, protestors whether of the opposition or within the party do not get so much coverage as to avert the eyes from the real story.

Huffington Post

Otherwise, the reinforcement is updated as to avert yielding.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

WHERE do you think the blame lies in the failure so far to avert sequestration?

The New York Times

We do so primarily to avert what would otherwise be a humanitarian disaster in Kosovo.

The Guardian

Left in place too long, the currency alignment could swell an asset bubble.Just as the rebalancing of China's economy calls for a stronger yuan, so the ability to avert bubbles requires a more flexible one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so as to avert", ensure that the action taken directly relates to preventing the stated negative outcome. For clarity, place the phrase immediately before the consequence you aim to avoid.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "so as to avert" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider simpler alternatives like "to avoid" or "in order to prevent" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so as to avert" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the reason why an action is performed. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so as to avert" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the intention to prevent a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While effective in formal writing, it may sound overly elaborate in casual settings. Consider simpler alternatives like "to avoid" or "in order to prevent" for less formal communication. Using "so as to avert" effectively involves ensuring that the action taken directly prevents the potential problem and keeping in mind the register of the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to prevent

Replaces "so as to" with a more common and slightly less formal phrase, while maintaining the purpose of avoidance.

to avoid

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic form, emphasizing direct avoidance.

with the aim of preventing

Highlights the intention behind the action, emphasizing the goal of prevention.

for the purpose of avoiding

Similar to "in order to prevent" but uses "avoiding" to stress the action being evaded.

in an attempt to prevent

Emphasizes the effort being made to prevent something.

as a means of preventing

Focuses on the method used to achieve prevention.

lest

A more formal and concise way to express prevention, often used in literary contexts.

to preclude

A more formal and direct substitute, emphasizing the act of making something impossible.

with a view to preventing

Highlights that the action has the purpose of preventing something.

in order to obviate

Uses a more sophisticated term, "obviate", which means to remove or avoid a need or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "so as to avert" in a sentence?

Use "so as to avert" to introduce the reason or purpose for taking a specific action to prevent an undesirable outcome. For example, "Regulatory agencies should check the situation regularly "so as to avert" problems before they become crises."

What are some simpler alternatives to "so as to avert"?

If you want to convey the same meaning with simpler wording, consider using alternatives such as "to avoid", "in order to prevent", or "to prevent". For instance, instead of "so as to avert a crisis", you could say "to avoid a crisis".

Is "so as to avert" considered formal or informal?

"So as to avert" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, using phrases like "to avoid" or "in order to prevent" may sound more natural.

How does "so as to avert" differ from "in order to prevent"?

Both phrases express purpose, but "so as to avert" has a slightly more formal tone and specifically implies preventing something negative from happening. "In order to prevent" is more general and can be used in a wider range of contexts.