solely to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solely to avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the exclusive purpose of an action or decision, emphasizing that it is done for the specific reason of avoiding something. Example: "He made the changes solely to avoid any further complications in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"We settled solely to avoid the time and distraction of protracted litigation," Mr. Raj said.

The New York Times

Therefore, the purpose of the 2680 must not have been solely to avoid duplicative remedies.

Cornell University

After seven years of litigation, the federal courts ruled that the partnership had been set up solely to avoid estate taxes.

The New York Times

The crucial issue in the case was whether the trades were bona fide transactions that carried a potential for profit and a risk of loss, as Compaq argued, or were shams intended solely to avoid taxes, as the I.R.S. contended.

The New York Times

Indeed, at a time when your citizens are dealing with the pain of an austerity program, how can you justify allowing Apple to pay virtually no taxes on a subsidiary established solely to avoid taxes in the United States?

The New York Times

But in 1981 the House of Lords ruled that, if the purpose of a step in some scheme was solely to avoid tax, the taxmen could ignore it, as if it had never happened.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It was a tactic, one official said, solely intended to avoid bad publicity.

The New York Times

"The court said that 2003 Productions [the company that financed the film] was solely created to avoid the law," said the Union of Independent Producers last week.

The Guardian - Film

"Our target this season solely is to avoid a relegation battle.

BBC

However, in a low risk population, the extra costs of these tests are solely intended to avoid selection of adverse risk.

Plosone

(vii) Requesters may not file multiple requests at the same time, each seeking portions of a document or documents, solely in order to avoid payment of fees.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "solely to avoid", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being avoided. This phrase emphasizes a single, clear purpose, so clarity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "solely to avoid" when multiple reasons exist. This phrase emphasizes a singular purpose. If other factors are involved, consider using phrases like "primarily to avoid" or "mainly to avoid" to reflect the complexity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solely to avoid" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating the exclusive reason or intention behind an action. It modifies a verb by specifying why the action is being performed. As Ludwig explains, it explains the exclusive purpose of an action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solely to avoid" is a grammatically correct phrase that functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose, indicating the exclusive reason for an action. It's commonly used in news, scientific, and academic writing to express avoidance or prevention as the sole motivating factor. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is used when explaining the exclusive purpose of an action. While frequently used, writers should be mindful of overusing it in situations where multiple reasons exist. Alternatives like "merely to prevent" or "simply to evade" can offer stylistic variety. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely to prevent

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of additional reasons beyond prevention.

simply to evade

Highlights an attempt to escape or get around something, often with a slightly negative connotation.

just to avert

Focuses on turning away or preventing a potential negative outcome.

purely for the sake of avoiding

Stresses that the avoidance is the only consideration.

exclusively to preclude

Indicates that the aim is to rule out or prevent something from happening.

entirely for the purpose of dodging

Suggests a deliberate attempt to sidestep or evade something.

only with the intention of circumventing

Focuses on bypassing or finding a way around a potential obstacle or problem.

uniquely to steer clear of

Emphasizes the singular aim of avoiding something undesirable.

principally to dodge

Highlights that the main purpose is to avoid something

primarily to prevent

Indicates the main, but not necessarily only, reason is prevention.

FAQs

What does "solely to avoid" mean?

The phrase "solely to avoid" means that something is done with the exclusive purpose of preventing something else from happening. It emphasizes that there are no other reasons or intentions behind the action.

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

You can use "solely to avoid" to explain the exclusive purpose of an action or decision. For example, "The company settled the lawsuit "solely to avoid" costly and time-consuming litigation."

What are some alternatives to "solely to avoid"?

Some alternatives to "solely to avoid" include "merely to prevent", "simply to evade", or "just to avert".

Is it correct to use "only to avoid" instead of "solely to avoid"?

Yes, "only to avoid" can be used in place of "solely to avoid". While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "solely" emphasizes the exclusivity of the purpose more strongly. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.