so to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so to avoid" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or incorrect.
It can be used when trying to express a purpose or intention to prevent something from happening, but it is better to use more conventional phrasing. Example: "I made changes to the schedule so to avoid any conflicts with other events."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Air Force said he did so to avoid serving.

The New York Times

Rather, it does so to avoid any ad hominem comment.

The Guardian

So to avoid the pain, Dr. Peterson said, we hope.

The New York Times

However, the moisture evaporation rate had to be controlled so to avoid plastic shrinkage cracking.

Construction and Building Materials

So, to avoid this experience, people are often inclined to seek available flu vaccines.

Columbia University

"We had to choose so to avoid internal friction, that's it.

The New York Times

Leviston's lawyer alleged that the rapper did so to avoid testifying.

Independent

It has done so to avoid sanctions, deflect criticism and smooth the way for state visits.

The New York Times

So to avoid you turning to jelly, have a normal life.

The Guardian

Packaging's primary purpose is to reduce product waste, and in doing so to avoid over-production.

The Guardian

Descendants say the families did so to avoid an emerging persecution from Ethiopia's large Christian population.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While the phrase "so to avoid" is frequently used, consider replacing it with more grammatically conventional options like "in order to avoid" or simply "to avoid" for enhanced clarity and formality.

Common error

The phrase "so to avoid" can sound awkward in formal contexts. Opt for alternatives like "in order to prevent" or "to prevent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so to avoid" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action, aiming to prevent a specific outcome. This is evidenced by Ludwig's examples where it connects an action with its preventative goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so to avoid" is a frequently used phrase to express the purpose of preventing something. However, Ludwig indicates it's not always considered grammatically ideal and may sound awkward in formal contexts. More precise and conventional alternatives, such as "in order to avoid" or "to prevent", are often preferred in professional writing. The phrase is predominantly found in news media, science, and wiki sources, reflecting its common usage across varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to avoid

This alternative provides a more formal and grammatically standard way to express the intention of preventing something.

to prevent

A concise and direct substitute, focusing on the action of prevention.

with the intention of avoiding

This alternative is similar to "for the purpose of avoiding", with a slight shift in emphasis towards personal intention.

for the purpose of avoiding

Emphasizes the intentionality behind preventing an outcome, adding a layer of formality.

with the aim of avoiding

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of the action, suggesting a proactive approach.

to steer clear of

Offers a more informal and idiomatic alternative, implying careful maneuvering.

as a means of avoiding

Suggests that avoiding something is a method being used to achieve a different goal.

to evade

Implies an attempt to escape or dodge something, often with a sense of urgency.

in an effort to avoid

Emphasizes the exertion or attempt made to prevent something from happening.

lest

A formal and somewhat archaic alternative that introduces a clause expressing fear or concern about what might happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "so to avoid" to express the purpose of preventing something, as in "I made changes to the schedule "so to avoid" any conflicts with other events."

What are some alternatives to "so to avoid"?

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

Is it grammatically correct to use "so to avoid"?

While commonly used, "so to avoid" is not always considered grammatically ideal. More standard alternatives include "in order to avoid" or simply "to avoid".

What's the difference between "so to avoid" and "in order to avoid"?

"In order to avoid" is generally considered more formal and grammatically standard than ""so to avoid"", making it a preferred choice in formal writing.