verb
1
BAD : He put his hand over my mouth to avoid me to scream.
GOOD : He put his hand over my mouth to prevent me from screaming.
BAD : These new measures are intended to avoid the spread of the disease.
GOOD : These new measures are intended to prevent the spread of the disease.
GOOD : These new measures are intended to prevent the disease from spreading.
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avoid (doing) sth = be careful not to do something: 'The best way to lose weight is to avoid eating fatty foods.' 'These drugs are dangerous and should be avoided.' 'Try to avoid subjects that can cause offence.'
prevent sb/sth (from doing sth) = stop someone or something from doing something; stop something from happening: 'The wall is supposed to prevent dogs from getting into the garden.' 'It is hoped that the new speed limit will help to prevent accidents.'
2
BAD : He is such a nice man that you can't avoid liking him.
GOOD : He is such a nice man that you can't help liking him.
BAD : I couldn't avoid falling in love with her.
GOOD : I couldn't help falling in love with her.
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can't help doing sth = cannot stop yourself from doing something:
'Whenever he tries to sing, I just can't help laughing.'
3
BAD : I told him that we would be grateful if he would kindly avoid ringing our doorbell after midnight.
GOOD : I told him that we would be grateful if he would kindly refrain from ringing our doorbell after midnight.
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refrain from doing sth = (formal) stop yourself from doing something because other people do not like it: 'Hotel guests are asked to refrain from smoking in the restaurants.'
4
BAD : I avoid to use a computer for personal letters.
GOOD : I avoid using a computer for personal letters.
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avoid doing sth (NOT to do ): 'He obviously wants to avoid getting involved in the dispute.'