avoid + noun
Avoiding a thing or situation
Use avoid directly with the thing you want to stay away from.
He wants to avoid conflict
How to use avoid correctly
Avoid usually takes a direct object. Prepositions such as by, at, and in often belong to separate parts of the sentence rather than directly to avoid.
Quick answer
Does avoid take a preposition?
Avoid is normally followed directly by a noun or gerund: avoid mistakes, avoid driving at night. By may introduce the method used to avoid something. At and in are usually part of another phrase.
She tries to avoid delays
They avoided injury by wearing helmets
We avoid driving in heavy snow
They avoided injury by wearing helmets
We avoid driving in heavy snow
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
avoid + gerund
Avoiding an activity
A gerund often follows avoid.
She avoids working late
avoid something by + method
Showing how something is prevented
By introduces the method used to avoid a problem.
They avoided confusion by sending clear instructions
avoid + activity in + situation
Adding context with in
In introduces a separate time or situation phrase.
Drivers should avoid speeding in residential areas
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
avoid by
We avoided errors by checking the data twice.
By introduces a method, not a direct complement after avoid.
avoid at
She avoids eating at crowded restaurants.
At belongs to the place phrase crowded restaurants.
avoid in
Tourists should avoid walking alone in that area at night.
In introduces a location or situation phrase.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Adding a preposition before the object
Avoid normally takes a direct object.
✕ We avoided from the problem. ✓ We avoided the problem.Using avoid by as a fixed verb pattern
By introduces the method of avoidance, not the object avoided.
✕ He avoided by the risk. ✓ He avoided the risk.Using an infinitive after avoid
Use a gerund after avoid.
✕ She avoids to drive at night. ✓ She avoids driving at night.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. They avoided delays ___ planning ahead.
2. She avoids ___ in traffic.
3. We avoid hiking ___ stormy weather.
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Frequently asked questions
Does avoid need a preposition?
Usually no. Avoid normally takes a direct object.
Is avoid by correct?
Only when by introduces a method, as in avoid mistakes by checking your work.
Can avoid be followed by an infinitive?
No. Use a gerund instead: avoid doing something.
Related preposition guides
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