stave off

USAGE SUMMARY

'stave off' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to refer to the act of delaying or preventing something from happening. For example, "We managed to stave off bankruptcy for another month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

– stave off Alzheimer's disease.

The Guardian

Sweden is trying to stave off deflation.

The Economist

It also helps stave off mental decline.

Independent

You won't stave off muscle soreness.

The Washington Post

But organisms somehow stave off entropic dissolution.

Nature

Cooperate with competitors to stave off sharks.

Harvard Business Review

Still, that may stave off potential counteroffers.

The New York Times

Can Hamilton stave off the Australian?

The Guardian - Sport

So why stave off the inevitable?

The New York Times

We want to stave off avian flu.

The New York Times

Can treating hypertension help stave off further damage?

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stave off" to describe efforts to postpone or prevent something negative, such as "staving off" a crisis or illness. Be specific about what you are trying to prevent, and the means by which you are doing so.

Common error

Don't use "stave off" if you're talking about completely eliminating a problem. "Stave off" implies a delay or temporary prevention, not a permanent solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stave off" functions as a verb of prevention, indicating an action taken to delay or avert something undesirable. Ludwig shows it commonly used to describe attempts to prevent negative outcomes, such as disease, economic downturns, or other crises.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "stave off" is a versatile and frequently used term that signifies delaying or preventing something negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news reporting to academic discussions. While perfect synonyms are hard to come by, alternatives like "prevent", "ward off", and "avert" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Remember that "stave off" implies a temporary solution, so be mindful of the timeframe you're describing. Avoiding the misconception that it is a permanent solution, will ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent

A more general term for stopping something from happening.

ward off

Implies actively deflecting or repelling something.

avert

Suggests turning away or avoiding something, often danger or disaster.

forestall

Indicates acting in advance to prevent something.

obviate

Means to remove the need or necessity for something.

preclude

To make something impossible or prevent it from happening.

head off

To intercept and turn something away from its intended course.

fend off

To defend against or resist something.

hold back

To restrain or prevent something from advancing.

deter

To discourage someone from doing something through fear or doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "stave off" in a sentence?

"Stave off" is typically used to describe actions taken to prevent or delay something negative from happening. For example, "The company implemented new policies to stave off financial losses."

What's the difference between "stave off" and "prevent"?

"Stave off" suggests a temporary delay or mitigation, while "prevent" implies stopping something completely. You might "stave off" a cold with rest and fluids, but "prevent" it with a vaccine.

What are some synonyms for "stave off"?

Synonyms for "stave off" include "ward off", "avert", "forestall", and "obviate". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "stave off" formal or informal?

"Stave off" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it is widely understood and used across various registers, as shown by its presence in news articles, academic papers, and casual conversation.