this should be avoided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this should be avoided" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain action, behavior, or situation is not recommended or should not occur. Example: "In professional communication, using slang can be unprofessional; this should be avoided to maintain clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

This should be avoided".

The Guardian

This should be avoided in a family.

Independent

This should be avoided, because it could cause the balls to burst during cooking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nevertheless, in the university environment, where truth-seeking is paramount, this should be avoided.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Ethiopians are also very fond of raw meat, but this should be avoided as it can often result in tape worms.

The Guardian - Travel

"Provocative actions like this should be avoided".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

This suggests that this combination should be avoided within and overall management strategy.

BMC Gastroenterology

Unless the class is called, "How not to become the next Sharon Stone", this one should be avoided.

The Guardian - Film

This practice should be avoided.

Applied Water Science

This scenario should be avoided in the design of nozzles.

International Journal of Thermal Sciences

Therefore, this approach should be avoided in Cd-contaminated soils.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this should be avoided", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'this' refers to, preventing ambiguity.

Common error

While useful, avoid using "this should be avoided" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this should be avoided" functions as a directive or recommendation, advising against a particular action, situation, or concept. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable, aiming to steer individuals away from potentially negative or undesirable outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this should be avoided" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to advise against certain actions or situations. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. Its versatility is evident from its presence in diverse contexts like science, news, and general writing. While adaptable, maintaining clarity regarding what "this" refers to is crucial. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "this is not recommended". Keep in mind, the goal is always to guide and prevent potential problems while ensuring clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this needs to be prevented

Emphasizes the necessity of stopping something from happening.

this must be prevented

Highlights the critical importance of avoiding a specific outcome.

this is best avoided

Suggests that avoiding something is the most desirable course of action.

it's advisable to steer clear of this

Recommends staying away from something, implying potential danger or unpleasantness.

this is not recommended

Indicates that something is not favored or suggested.

refrain from doing this

Directs someone to abstain from a particular action.

it would be better to not do this

Expresses a preference for avoiding a specific action or situation.

it is preferable to avoid this

Suggests that avoiding something is the more desirable option.

this is something to avoid

Focuses on the avoidance of something as a general principle.

stay away from this

Warns someone to keep a distance from something, often implying danger or negativity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this should be avoided" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "this is not recommended", "this is ill-advised", or "this is to be discouraged" depending on the specific context.

What are some common situations where "this should be avoided" is used?

"This should be avoided" is often used when giving advice, providing warnings, or making recommendations against certain actions or behaviors. Examples include health advice, safety instructions, and best practices.

Is "this should be avoided" too direct or impolite in some situations?

While generally acceptable, in sensitive situations, soften the tone by adding qualifiers. For instance, "this should probably be avoided" or "it might be better to avoid this" can make the statement less assertive.

Can I use "this should be avoided" in academic writing?

Yes, "this should be avoided" is suitable for academic writing, especially when discussing limitations, potential errors, or undesirable outcomes in research or analysis. However, ensure clarity and precision in defining what "this" refers to.