to avert potential problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to avert potential problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing strategies or actions taken to prevent issues before they arise. Example: "Implementing regular maintenance checks is essential to avert potential problems with the machinery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To avert potential problems, Mayor Giuliani asked employers to stagger working hours.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And behind the scenes, the administration engaged in the kind of widespread outreach to city and state lawmakers that was missing in December, averting potential problems early on.

The New York Times

Disclosure of the gun, meant to avert potential tragedy, seems to have invited it.

The Washington Post

California also wants to contribute to global efforts to avert potential catastrophes such as sea level rise.

Science Magazine

Regardless of the disaster, virtualization enables SMBs to maintain their competitive edge and to avert potential crippling disaster scenarios.

Forbes

But for 25 million Americans, including 7 million children, with asthma, that cough alerts the asthma sufferer or parent to pull out an inhaler to avert potential tragedy.

HuffPost

These data could be used to predict and avert potential failures.

European Transport Research Review

NEW YORK investors, however, have some good news: New York City and the state averted potential credit problems in the year after the Sept. 11 attacks because of active budget management and, in the state's case, strong reserves, according to a recent report by Standard & Poor's.

The New York Times

Computer-enabled TOC communications have potential to avert such problems.

BMC Health Services Research

"This campaign is expected to improve immunity of children against measles and help avert potential measles outbreaks in the future".

Unicef

The inspector general, John Lainhart 4th, found a long list of deficiencies in his recent study, including a recalled brand of sprinkler that must be replaced "to avert a potential disaster". Other problems included areas without sprinklers, fire alarms that are inaudible in some offices and inadequate escape routes and exit signs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to avert potential problems" when you want to emphasize proactive measures taken to prevent negative outcomes. It suggests foresight and planning to avoid difficulties before they arise.

Common error

While "to avert potential problems" is acceptable, overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound stilted. Balance it with simpler alternatives like "to avoid problems" for clarity and natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to avert potential problems" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the reason for taking a particular action, aligning with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to avert potential problems" serves as a purpose connector, indicating an intention to prevent negative outcomes. While grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is relatively rare in occurrence. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional and news contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Simpler alternatives, such as "to avoid problems" may be preferable in more informal settings. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine the most appropriate phrasing for expressing the desire to prevent difficulties. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to prevent possible issues

Replaces "avert potential problems" with a more direct and commonly used expression.

to avoid future complications

Focuses on avoiding complications that might arise in the future.

to preempt possible difficulties

Uses "preempt" to emphasize taking action before difficulties occur.

to forestall potential setbacks

Highlights the aim of preventing setbacks.

to mitigate prospective challenges

Emphasizes reducing the severity of possible challenges.

to preclude emerging issues

Focuses on completely preventing issues from emerging.

to head off impending troubles

Uses a more figurative expression to describe preventing troubles.

to circumvent upcoming difficulties

Highlights the act of finding a way around upcoming difficulties.

to nip potential problems in the bud

Uses an idiom to emphasize stopping problems early.

to ward off possible adversities

Implies defending against potential adversities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "to avert potential problems" for different contexts?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to prevent possible issues", "to avoid future complications", or "to mitigate prospective challenges".

Is "to avert potential problems" formal or informal?

The phrase "to avert potential problems" leans towards the formal side. For informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "to avoid problems" or "to prevent issues".

What does "avert" mean in the context of "to avert potential problems"?

In this context, "avert" means to prevent something negative from happening. It implies taking action to turn away or ward off a potential issue before it occurs.

Are there any synonyms for "potential problems" that I can use with "to avert"?

Yes, you can use synonyms such as "potential crises", "potential difficulties", or "potential setbacks" with "to avert" to vary your writing.