we should avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we should avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that certain actions or behaviors should be refrained from in order to achieve a desired outcome. Example: "In order to maintain a positive work environment, we should avoid negative comments about our colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Number two, we should avoid new taxes.

The Guardian

I think we should avoid a recession.

The Guardian - Business

"We should avoid a re-run [of 1992].

The Guardian

"I think we should avoid it," he said.

The Guardian

We should avoid even the appearance of "collective punishment".

The Guardian - Opinion

I think we should avoid these kinds of simplifications".

The Guardian

"We should have learned and we should avoid the exuberance.

The Guardian - Business

But they, and we, should avoid any simplistic analysis.

The Guardian

For now, we should avoid two big mistakes.

The New York Times

We should avoid using "woman" or "women" as a modifier.

The New York Times

We should avoid this backward-speaking journalistic mannerism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we should avoid", clearly state the specific action or situation to be avoided to ensure clarity and prevent ambiguity. For example, "We should avoid making assumptions without sufficient data."

Common error

Avoid simply stating what "we should avoid" without suggesting a better course of action. Providing constructive alternatives makes your advice more helpful and actionable. For example, instead of saying "We should avoid using jargon", suggest "We should use clear and concise language that is easily understood by everyone".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we should avoid" functions primarily as a directive, suggesting a course of action to be evaded or prevented. It combines the modal verb "should", indicating a recommendation or obligation, with the verb "avoid", which signifies keeping away from something. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to advise against particular actions or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we should avoid" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, primarily functioning as a directive to suggest evading specific actions or situations. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is essential to provide clear alternatives when advising against something. By considering the nuances of similar phrases and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "we should avoid" to offer valuable guidance and prevent undesirable outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we ought to evade

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a moral obligation, and "avoid" with "evade", suggesting skillful escape.

it's best to steer clear of

Uses a more casual and idiomatic expression, suggesting a deliberate distancing from something potentially problematic.

it is imperative to avert

Highlights the urgent need to prevent something, stressing the importance of immediate action.

we must refrain from

Emphasizes a strong obligation to abstain from a specific action or behavior, often used in formal contexts.

let's try to sidestep

Proposes a collaborative effort to cleverly evade or move around an obstacle or issue.

it is advisable to circumvent

Replaces "we should" with a more formal, impersonal recommendation and "avoid" with "circumvent", implying skillful maneuvering to bypass something.

we want to preclude

Focuses on preventing something from happening or existing, often used in formal or legal contexts.

it would be wise to bypass

Emphasizes the prudence of circumventing something, suggesting a careful and strategic approach.

we need to prevent

Shifts the focus to proactive prevention, emphasizing the necessity of stopping something from happening.

we have to dodge

Implies quickly and skillfully avoiding something, often with a sense of urgency or danger.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we should avoid" for a formal tone?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it is advisable to circumvent", "we must refrain from", or "it is imperative to avert" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. These phrases offer a more elevated and professional tone compared to "we should avoid".

What's a more casual way to say "we should avoid"?

For informal settings, you can use phrases like "it's best to steer clear of" or "let's try to sidestep". These options are more conversational and less direct than "we should avoid".

Is it grammatically correct to use "we should avoid"?

Yes, "we should avoid" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts.

What's the difference between "we should avoid" and "we must avoid"?

"We should avoid" suggests a recommendation or advice, while "we must avoid" implies a stronger obligation or necessity. "We must avoid" indicates that failing to do so would have serious consequences. Therefore, "we must avoid" expresses a higher degree of urgency than "we should avoid".