Avoid, Prevent, Protect

Avoid, Prevent, Protect – What’s the Difference?

Hello English learners! Today we’re looking at three verbs that seem similar but have slightly different meanings: avoid, prevent, protect. They all describe stopping something bad from happening, but they’re used in different ways. Let’s learn how to use each correctly with clear explanations and examples.

Avoid — to stay away from something

Meaning: You avoid something when you choose not to do it or stay away from it. You avoid the problem yourself — you don’t let it happen to you.

Structure: avoid + noun / -ing form

(e.g. avoid mistakes, avoid eating too much)

Examples:

• I try to avoid eating sweets late at night.
• She avoided talking about her exam results.
• Let’s avoid making the same mistake again.

Tip: Use avoid when you control the action.

Prevent — to stop something before it happens

Meaning: You prevent something when you make it impossible to happen. It’s often used when you take action to stop a negative event.

Structure: prevent + noun + from + -ing

(e.g. prevent people from smoking)

Examples:

• The rain prevented us from going out.
• Good planning can prevent problems.
• The new law aims to prevent accidents at work.

Tip: Use prevent when you’re talking about stopping an event or situation.

Avoid, Prevent, Protect

Protect — to keep safe from harm

Meaning: You protect someone or something when you keep them safe from danger or harm. You protect by providing defence or safety.

Structure: protect + someone/something + from + something

(e.g. protect your skin from the sun)

Examples:

• This cream protects your skin from UV rays.
• Parents always try to protect their children.
• A helmet protects your head from injury.

Tip: Use protect when the focus is on safety or defence.

Summary table

Do the quiz to perfect your knowledge:

Discussion

• What do you usually try to avoid in your daily life?

• What can people do to prevent stress?

• How do you protect yourself from the cold in winter?

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