so as to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

'so as to avoid' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express purpose or intent. For example: She drove slowly so as to avoid accidents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He breathed through his mouth so as to avoid inhaling the man's overripe cologne.

The New Yorker

Add the cider vinegar and stock, gradually so as to avoid lumps forming.

Independent

The canon of constitutional doubt advises courts to construe statutes so as to avoid constitutional questions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many companies put off restructuring plans during the election campaign, so as to avoid controversy.

The Economist

He has chosen the time intentionally, so as to avoid them.

The New Yorker

I mostly confined myself to my room, so as to avoid her, and I seldom cooked.

The New Yorker

This is desirable so as to avoid excessive design calculations.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The parameter is chosen so as to avoid visual artifacts.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

(We might call it 'modularity*', so as to avoid confusion).

SEP

Drivers must coordinate so as to avoid collisions.

SEP

A submesh region is then allocated to each subgraph so as to avoid long distance communication.

Microprocessors and Microsystems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so as to avoid", ensure the intended purpose is clear and directly related to the action described in the sentence. Avoid ambiguity by placing the phrase close to the action it modifies.

Common error

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

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so as to avoid" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. It modifies a verb or clause to explain what someone is trying to prevent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so as to avoid" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the purpose of preventing something. While perfectly correct, its formality might make it less suitable for casual contexts, where alternatives like "to avoid" may be preferred. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its frequent appearance in scientific and news contexts indicates its suitability for formal writing. Remember to keep your writing clear and concise by placing the phrase near the action it modifies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to avoid

A more common and direct synonym, focusing on the intention to prevent.

to prevent

A shorter, more concise way to express the same purpose.

so as to avert

Focuses on preventing something imminent or dangerous.

for the purpose of avoiding

A more formal and elaborate way to express intention.

with the aim of preventing

Highlights the goal or objective of avoiding something.

so as to bypass

Implies circumventing an obstacle or problem.

so as to eliminate

Emphasizes the removal of something undesirable.

so as to preclude

Highlights the action of making something impossible.

so as to overcome

Suggests conquering or resolving a difficulty.

so as to evade

Indicates an attempt to escape or dodge something.

FAQs

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

Use "so as to avoid" to express the purpose of an action is to prevent something. For example: "She studied diligently "so as to avoid" failing the exam."

What are some alternatives to "so as to avoid"?

You can use alternatives like "in order to avoid", "to prevent", or "with the aim of preventing" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "so as to avoid" or "in order to avoid"?

"In order to avoid" is generally more common and versatile. "So as to avoid" is correct, but can occasionally sound overly formal. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

Can "so as to avoid" be used in spoken English?

Yes, "so as to avoid" can be used in spoken English, but it might sound somewhat formal in casual conversation. In such situations, simpler alternatives like "to avoid" might be preferable.