things to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

"things to avoid" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express actions that should be avoided, such as when providing advice or warnings. For example: "There are several things to avoid when driving in the rain, such as using cruise control and driving too fast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Here are the things to avoid.

The Guardian

Two things to avoid: oakiness and sweet, jammy flavors.

The New York Times

"Apple" is pretty tame, one of Ms Watkins's things to avoid.

The Economist

There are some important things to include, and some equally important things to avoid.

The Guardian

Women are already bombarded with a vast list of things to avoid during pregnancy.

The Guardian

There are a few things to avoid when drawing up your ground plan.

The New York Times

The program does several things to avoid automatic detection, Mr. Thompson said.

The New York Times

Our side did terrible things to avoid a more terrible outcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'd say things to avoid are motivational quotes or anything that anyone else has posted.

The Guardian

The first truth is that we will have to do these big things to avoid a fiscal calamity.

The New York Times

The label's precautions advised, among other things, to "avoid breathing vapor" and to "avoid contact with clothing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, be specific about the "things to avoid" and explain why they should be avoided. This provides clarity and helps the audience understand the rationale behind your guidance.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "things to avoid" without providing context or specific examples. General statements can be vague and unhelpful. Always follow with clear, actionable items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things to avoid" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a list or category of items, actions, or behaviors that should be prevented or circumvented. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things to avoid" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a list of actions, items, or behaviors that should be prevented. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It serves to provide guidance and caution across various contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, specificity is key to providing clear and actionable advice. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively communicate potential pitfalls and help their audience make informed decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things you shouldn't do

Provides a direct, simple alternative focusing on prohibited actions.

mistakes to steer clear of

Highlights avoiding errors or blunders through careful navigation.

actions to refrain from

Highlights the importance of abstaining from certain behaviors or activities.

errors to sidestep

Implies skillfully avoiding common mistakes or missteps.

dangers to avert

Concentrates on preventing hazardous situations or threats.

pitfalls to evade

Emphasizes avoiding potential dangers or traps, focusing on evasion.

practices to shun

Emphasizes the need to reject or avoid certain customs or habits.

issues to circumvent

Suggests finding a way around problems or obstacles.

precautions to take

Focuses on proactive measures needed to avert negative outcomes.

items to exclude

Focuses on omitting certain elements from a list or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "things to avoid" to introduce a list of actions or behaviors that should be prevented in a specific situation. For example, "When baking a cake, here are some "things to avoid", such as overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too early."

What can I say instead of "things to avoid"?

You can use alternatives like "mistakes to steer clear of", "precautions to take", or "actions to refrain from" depending on the context.

What are some common "things to avoid" in job interviews?

Common ""things to avoid"" in job interviews include arriving late, speaking negatively about previous employers, and failing to ask questions about the role or company.

Is it better to say "things to avoid" or "things you should avoid"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""things to avoid"" is more concise. "Things you should avoid" explicitly includes the subject, which can sometimes be useful for emphasis, but is often unnecessary.