this was unavoidable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was unavoidable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that a situation or outcome could not be prevented. Example: "Despite our best efforts, this was unavoidable." Alternative expressions include "this was inevitable" and "this could not be avoided."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It said this was unavoidable under the rules.

The Guardian

We designed the paddles to be not on a horizontal byte boundary, but this was unavoidable with the ball.

Cornell University

One of the alleged villains, Mr Yanukovich, became prime minister in 2006-07 and will now be president.Some of this was unavoidable.

The Economist

Paulson readily conceded that there were apparent inconsistencies in the government's dealings with A.I.G. and with Citigroup, the latter of which was bailed out in November, 2008, but he argued that this was unavoidable.

The New Yorker

Clegg said this was unavoidable, arguing: "If this government doesn't sort of cross all the Ts and dot all the Is about what the public spending plans are going to be for that year then quite literally the lights start going out at Whitehall, civil servants don't get paid, you don't get central government transfers to local authorities.

The Guardian

Stragglers would sometimes make predatory excursions into barnyards and dairies belonging to the persons who were disposed to be inimical and unaccommodating — this was unavoidable; but I did not hear of a single instance of a citizen being insulted or his property damaged.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

This is unavoidable.

Independent

Perhaps this is unavoidable.

The Guardian - Film

Sometimes this is unavoidable.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is unavoidable, since nobody can be sure how scholarly communication will evolve.

Nature

If this is unavoidable, the schools should introduce competition to select the supplier, the OFT said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was unavoidable" to acknowledge a negative outcome while emphasizing the lack of viable alternatives or preventative measures. Be sure that, in the context, it's factually accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "this was unavoidable" to deflect responsibility when actions could have been taken to mitigate or prevent the situation. Ensure you're not rationalizing negligence or lack of foresight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was unavoidable" functions as an explanatory statement. It asserts that a particular event or situation could not be prevented, often due to circumstances or limitations beyond one's control. Ludwig shows examples in science and news media where this is used to justify actions or explain results.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this was unavoidable" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a specific outcome could not be prevented. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals that it frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, serving to justify actions or explain results. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Related phrases, such as "this was inevitable" or "there was no way to prevent this", offer similar meanings but emphasize different aspects of the situation. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure it accurately reflects the circumstances and avoid using it to deflect responsibility when preventative measures could have been taken.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this couldn't be helped

Emphasizes the lack of options or actions to change the situation.

this was inevitable

Focuses on the certainty of the outcome, suggesting it was bound to happen.

there was no way to prevent this

Highlights the impossibility of stopping the event from occurring.

it could not be averted

A more formal way of saying something could not be prevented.

it was bound to happen

Suggests the event was predetermined or highly likely.

circumstances dictated this outcome

Attributes the result to the prevailing conditions or situation.

this course of action was necessary

Highlights the required nature of the action despite its negative outcome.

there was no alternative

Indicates a lack of other options or choices.

fate intervened

Implies that destiny or an external force caused the event.

it was written in the stars

A more poetic way of suggesting the outcome was predetermined.

FAQs

How can I use "this was unavoidable" in a sentence?

You can use "this was unavoidable" to explain that a particular outcome could not be prevented, often due to circumstances beyond your control. For example, "The budget cuts were deep; some layoffs, unfortunately, "this was unavoidable"."

What are some alternatives to "this was unavoidable"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "this was inevitable", "this couldn't be helped", or "there was no way to prevent this", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to start a sentence with "this was unavoidable"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and acceptable to start a sentence with "this was unavoidable". It serves to clearly introduce the idea that a particular outcome could not be prevented.

What's the difference between "this was unavoidable" and "this was inevitable"?

"This was unavoidable" suggests that despite best efforts or desires, the outcome occurred because no alternatives were viable. "This was inevitable", on the other hand, implies that the outcome was certain to happen regardless of any actions taken.