this can be avoided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can be avoided" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something undesirable could be avoided if certain steps are taken. For example, "If you save 10% of your income each month, this can be avoided and you can secure a comfortable retirement for yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, we very much hope this can be avoided".

The Guardian

Some of this can be avoided by not downloading attachments.

The New York Times - Tech

She added: "The message has to get out that this can be avoided.

The Guardian

However … it is hard to see how this can be avoided this time around.

The Guardian

Gavin Andresen, one of the five main developers, is optimistic this can be avoided.

The Economist

This can be avoided if you concede that she is in fact correct about every point of contention.

The Guardian

"As long as we have that access, there's a good chance that this can be avoided," he said.

The Guardian

Mr Letta is confident this can be avoided, and he has made a good start with uncontroversial, commonsense initiatives.

The Economist

This can be avoided by placing monitor speakers carefully.

TechCrunch

This can be avoided by using non-aqueous impregnation.

Catalysis Today

This can be avoided by utilizing the matrix inversion lemma.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this can be avoided", clearly state the actions or steps necessary to prevent the undesirable outcome. Providing actionable information increases the phrase's impact.

Common error

Ensure that "this" has a clear and immediately preceding referent. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating what "this" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can be avoided" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the possibility of preventing a specific situation or outcome. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that it is used across various contexts to suggest that an undesirable event is not inevitable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this can be avoided" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys the possibility of preventing an undesirable outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the referent of "this" and suggesting actionable steps to achieve the desired prevention. Alternatives such as "this is preventable" or "this situation can be averted" offer subtle variations in emphasis, while maintaining the core meaning of preventability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is preventable

Replaces "can be avoided" with "is preventable", focusing on the inherent ability to prevent something.

this is something we can avoid

Adds emphasis and personal agency to the original statement.

this outcome is avoidable

Replaces the modal verb construction with a direct adjective, "avoidable".

it is possible to prevent this

Expands the phrase to a full clause, emphasizing the possibility of prevention.

this situation can be averted

Substitutes "avoided" with "averted", suggesting a turning away from a negative outcome.

you can circumvent this

Shifts the focus to the agent (you) and the action of circumventing.

this is not inevitable

Highlights that the outcome is not predetermined and can be changed.

measures can be taken to prevent this

Focuses on the actions that can be implemented to achieve prevention.

it can be bypassed

Uses "bypassed", suggesting going around or past a problem.

this scenario is escapable

Emphasizes the ability to escape or get out of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "this can be avoided" in a sentence?

Use "this can be avoided" to indicate that a negative outcome is not inevitable and can be prevented by taking certain actions. For example, "Making regular backups can help protect your data; "this can be avoided" by using cloud storage."

What are some alternatives to saying "this can be avoided"?

Alternatives include "this is preventable", "it is possible to prevent this", or "this situation can be averted", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "this can be avoided" or "this could be avoided"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "this can be avoided" suggests a higher degree of certainty and control over the outcome, while "this could be avoided" implies a possibility but less certainty. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual level of preventability.

What does "this can be avoided" mean?

The phrase "this can be avoided" means that a particular situation, problem, or outcome is not inevitable and that actions can be taken to prevent it from happening. It implies a degree of control and the possibility of a more desirable outcome.