Avoid vs Prevent: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Avoid means to stay away from something, while prevent means to stop something from happening.
Memory Tip: avoid = sidestep, prevent = block
avoid has /ɔɪ/, prevent has /ɪˈvɛnt/
avoid /əˈvɔɪd/
verbTo keep away from something or someone.
Example:
If you want to avoid traffic, you should leave the house earlier than usual.
Common patterns:
avoid doing something
avoid someone
prevent /prɪˈvɛnt/
verbTo stop something from happening.
Example:
If you take this medicine, it will help prevent the flu.
Common patterns:
prevent accidents
prevent illness
Common Mistakes
We should avoid the fire from spreading by using water.
We should prevent the fire from spreading by using water.
Prevent is correct because it means to stop the fire from spreading.
I try to prevent junk food, but it's hard.
I try to avoid junk food, but it's hard.
Avoid is correct because it means to stay away from junk food.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. If you want to ____ traffic, you should leave the house earlier than usual.
2. If you take this medicine, it will help ____ the flu.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse avoid / prevent again
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