to avoid further distress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to avoid further distress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions taken to prevent additional emotional pain or discomfort in a situation. Example: "We decided to change the topic of conversation to avoid further distress among the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She wrote two memos to Mr Phair asking for him to delete the criticism to avoid further distress to Mr Moore-Robinson's family and "adverse publicity".

BBC

She wrote two memos to him suggesting the consultant delete the criticism to avoid further distress to Mr Moore-Robinson's family and "adverse publicity".

BBC

Feasible screening instruments should meet the following criteria: be very brief, preferably fitting on one page[ 20]; be easy to complete (to avoid further distress by excessive questioning) [ 21]; be easy to score and interpret by medical staff [ 22]; and facilitate communication between physicians and patients about psychosocial distress [ 12, 15].

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In a modified version of the avoidance model, Newman and Llera (2011) present evidence that, rather than avoiding imagery, worry is maintained by the perception that it serves to avoid further increases in distress should a feared event actually occur.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

"The goal is to avoid further controversy".

The New York Times

Clive leaves to avoid further trouble.

The New Yorker

"Afterwards, they chose to be silent to avoid further attack.

The Guardian

All action must be taken to avoid further bloodshed.

The Guardian

They want the Somerset project ditched to avoid further difficulties.

The Guardian - Business

The decision was intended to avoid further tensions between China and Taiwan.

The New York Times

She labeled the kiosks temporary to avoid further vetting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics, using the phrase "to avoid further distress" demonstrates consideration for the emotional well-being of the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "to avoid further distress" as a perfunctory phrase without genuine empathy. Ensure that the context warrants its use and that it aligns with a sensitive approach to the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to avoid further distress" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It clarifies the reason or intention behind a specific action, aiming to prevent additional emotional or psychological suffering. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates a deliberate effort to protect someone from added anguish.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to avoid further distress" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the purpose of preventing additional emotional suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It finds frequent use in news, scientific writing, and general discourse, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure it is applied with genuine empathy. Alternatives like "to prevent additional suffering" or "to mitigate further discomfort" can provide slightly different nuances. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "to avoid further distress" to convey sensitivity and consideration in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to prevent additional suffering

Replaces "distress" with a more general term for negative experience, broadening the scope.

to mitigate further discomfort

Substitutes "distress" with "discomfort", suggesting a less intense negative experience.

in order to avert additional upset

Replaces "avoid" with "avert" and "distress" with "upset", changing both the action and the emotional state.

so as not to cause more pain

Focuses on preventing the causation of pain, rather than simply avoiding distress.

to keep from exacerbating the problem

Shifts focus from emotional distress to the worsening of a general "problem".

to preclude further anguish

Uses more formal vocabulary like "preclude" and "anguish", increasing the intensity.

to head off additional sorrow

Employs "head off" as a more active form of prevention and replaces "distress" with "sorrow".

to forestall future misery

Replaces "avoid" with "forestall", emphasizing proactive prevention of "misery".

to minimize subsequent grief

Focuses on reducing the intensity of "grief" rather than avoiding general distress.

with the aim of preventing increased anxiety

Specifically targets "anxiety" rather than a broader sense of distress, clarifying the emotional state.

FAQs

How can I use "to avoid further distress" in a sentence?

The phrase "to avoid further distress" is typically used to introduce a reason for taking a particular action, especially when dealing with sensitive situations. For example, "The details were omitted "to avoid further distress" to the family."

What's a more formal alternative to "to avoid further distress"?

A more formal alternative would be "in order to preclude additional anguish" or "to mitigate subsequent discomfort". These options use more elevated vocabulary to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "to avoid further distress"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if used insincerely or in contexts where sensitivity is not genuinely warranted. Overusing it can also diminish its impact. It is crucial to reserve it for situations genuinely requiring empathy.

What's the difference between "to avoid further distress" and "to prevent additional suffering"?

"To avoid further distress" specifically targets emotional or mental anguish, while "to prevent additional suffering" encompasses a broader range of negative experiences, including physical pain or hardship. "To prevent additional suffering" is therefore a more encompassing phrase.