avoid a mistake

Meaning

This phrase means to take action or exercise care so that an error, misunderstanding, or wrong decision does not happen. It is commonly used in professional contexts when talking about quality control, planning, and risk management.

Examples

• Double-checking the figures will help us avoid a mistake in the final report.

  Double-checking the figures will help us avoid a mistake in the final report.

• We need a clear strategy to avoid a mistake that could cost us the client.

  We need a clear strategy to avoid a mistake that could cost us the client.

• To avoid a mistake, please read the instructions carefully before starting.

  To avoid a mistake, please read the instructions carefully before starting.

• Having a senior developer review the code helps the team avoid a mistake.

  Having a senior developer review the code helps the team avoid a mistake.

• He asked for feedback early in the project to avoid a mistake later on.

  He asked for feedback early in the project to avoid a mistake later on.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We must evade a mistake in the contract.

  ✓ We must avoid a mistake in the contract.

  'Evade' means to escape or dodge (e.g., evading taxes or physical capture). To prevent an error from happening, the correct verb is 'avoid'.

• ✗ To avoid to make a mistake, please check the database.

  ✓ To avoid making a mistake, please check the database.

  The verb 'avoid' must be followed by a gerund (verb-ing) or a noun phrase, not an infinitive.

Related Expressions

Practice

• You should proofread your email twice to ___ in the pricing.

  💡 Prevent an error.

  Show answer

  avoid a mistake

• Having a checklist is the best way to ___ during busy periods.

  💡 Keep from doing something wrong.

  Show answer

  avoid a mistake