B2 Conjunctions & Connectors 15 min read Easy

Avoiding Trouble: How to use 'Lest' (以免)

Use 以免 to link a proactive action to the specific negative outcome you want to prevent.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use '以免' (yǐmiǎn) to connect an action to a potential negative outcome you want to prevent.

  • Place '以免' before the negative outcome: {带上|dàishàng} {雨伞|yǔsǎn}，以免{淋湿|línshī}。
  • The subject of the second clause is often omitted if it matches the first.
  • It expresses a preventative measure, not a certainty.
Action + 以免 + Negative Outcome

Overview

In Chinese, expressing purpose is a fundamental skill. While you may be familiar with using 为了 (wèile) to state a positive goal, advanced communication requires a more nuanced tool for expressing prevention. This is the function of 以免 (yǐmiǎn), a formal conjunction that means "in order to avoid," "so as not to," or "lest." It is used to connect a preventive action with a potential negative outcome you are trying to avert.

Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of taking out insurance; you perform an action specifically to prevent a future problem.

Its structure is rooted in classical Chinese, which lends it a formal and educated tone. The character 以 (yǐ) historically means "by means of" or "for the purpose of," while 免 (miǎn) means "to avoid" or "to be exempt from." Together, they literally mean "by means of avoiding." This etymology is key to understanding its function: 以免 introduces the negative purpose of the main clause. For instance, if you write down instructions for a colleague, you do so 以免 they forget a critical step.

The action (writing instructions) is taken to prevent the undesirable result (forgetting).

Mastering 以免 is a hallmark of the B2 level, allowing you to move beyond simple cause-and-effect and articulate sophisticated, precautionary logic. It is prevalent in formal written documents, professional correspondence, and any context where precision and foresight are valued. Using it correctly demonstrates not only linguistic proficiency but also a structured and careful thought process.

It signals that you are not just reacting to events, but proactively managing potential risks.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, 以免 (yǐmiǎn) is a subordinating conjunction of purpose. It introduces a clause that explains the reason for the action in the main clause. However, unlike other conjunctions of purpose, 以免 is exclusively used for preventive or negative purposes.
The main clause states the precautionary measure, and the 以免 clause specifies the undesirable event that this measure is intended to block. The relationship it establishes is one of precautionary causality.
The logic flows in one direction: the action in the main clause must be a conscious, deliberate step taken to prevent the outcome in the subordinate clause. The outcome is a potential, future, and unwanted event. For example, in the sentence 请您确认一下地址，以免包裹寄错。 (Qǐng nín quèrèn yīxià dìzhǐ, yǐmiǎn bāoguǒ jì cuò), the action is "confirming the address," and the unwanted outcome is "the package being sent to the wrong place." The confirmation is the preventative measure.
Structurally, the 以免 clause is always dependent on the main clause and cannot begin a sentence. It functions as an adverbial modifier, providing the 'why' for the action. The subject of the 以免 clause is often omitted if it is the same as the subject of the main clause, a common feature in Chinese that enhances sentence fluency.
For example: 他出门前总是检查煤气，以免发生意外。 (Tā chūmén qián zǒngshì jiǎnchá méiqì, yǐmiǎn fāshēng yìwài.) Here, "he" is the one checking the gas, and he is also implicitly the one avoiding an accident. This makes the sentence more concise.
This structure is especially useful in professional and technical contexts where clarity and risk mitigation are paramount. When you write a user manual, you add warnings 以免 the user damages the device. When you draft a contract, you include specific clauses 以免 future legal disputes arise.
It is the language of careful planning and responsibility, signaling a high level of cognitive and linguistic sophistication.

Formation Pattern

1
The grammatical structure for 以免 (yǐmiǎn) is consistent and logical. It follows a clear formula that connects a proactive measure with the negative result it aims to prevent. Mastering this pattern is straightforward.
2
The Core Formula:
3
[Clause A: Preventive Action], 以免 [Clause B: Undesirable Outcome]
4
Let's break down the components:
5
Clause A (Preventive Action): This is the main clause of the sentence. It describes what someone does, should do, or is advised to do. This can be a statement of fact, a suggestion, or a command.
6
Comma: A comma is standard practice before 以免. It creates a clear syntactical and logical break between the action and its purpose, improving readability.
7
以免 (yǐmiǎn): The conjunction itself, linking the two clauses.
8
Clause B (Undesirable Outcome): This is the subordinate clause. It describes the negative event, error, or situation that Clause A is designed to prevent. Crucially, this clause should describe the negative event directly and should NOT contain negative adverbs like 不 (bù) or 没 (méi). The negativity is already encapsulated within 以免.
9
Below is a table illustrating the pattern in various common contexts:
10
| Pattern Type | Structure | Example Sentence | Translation | Notes |
11
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
12
| Suggestion or Command | 请/最好/应该 (Please/Had Better/Should) + Action, 以免 + Negative Result | 开会前请把手机调成静音，以免影响他人。 (Kāihuì qián qǐng bǎ shǒujī tiáochéng jìngyīn, yǐmiǎn yǐngxiǎng tārén.) | Please set your phone to silent before the meeting to avoid disturbing others. | This is very common in formal instructions and workplace communication. |
13
| Statement of Action | Subject + Action, 以免 + Negative Result | 我把所有重要文件都备份到了云端，以免电脑硬盘损坏。 (Wǒ bǎ suǒyǒu zhòngyào wénjiàn dōu bèifèn dàole yúnduān, yǐmiǎn diànnǎo yìngpán sǔnhuài.) | I backed up all important files to the cloud in case the computer's hard drive gets damaged. | This explains the precautionary rationale behind a completed or ongoing action. |
14
| Future Precaution | 会/要 (Will/Going to) + Action, 以免 + Negative Result | 我们会提前预订酒店，以免假期找不到住处。 (Wǒmen huì tíqián yùdìng jiǔdiàn, yǐmiǎn jiàqī zhǎobudào zhùchù.) | We will book the hotel in advance so that we don't fail to find accommodation during the holiday. | This usage outlines future plans and the risks they are designed to mitigate. |
15
| Implied Subject | (Implied 你/我/我们) Action, 以免 + Negative Result | 出门多穿一件衣服，以免感冒。 (Chūmén duō chuān yī jiàn yīfu, yǐmiǎn gǎnmào.) | Wear an extra layer when you go out to avoid catching a cold. | Common in giving general advice where the subject is understood from context. |

When To Use It

The use of 以免 (yǐmiǎn) is largely determined by the formality of the context. While its meaning is clear, deploying it in the wrong situation can make your language sound unnatural. Understanding its typical domains is essential for effective communication.
1. Formal Written Chinese:
This is the primary environment for 以免. Its precision and formal tone are perfectly suited for contexts where clarity is non-negotiable.
  • Business & Professional Communication: Contracts, proposals, official emails, and company-wide notices frequently use 以免. Example: 所有报销必须附上发票原件，以免财务审计出现问题。 (Suǒyǒu bàoxiāo bìxū fùshàng fāpiào yuánjiàn, yǐmiǎn cáiwù shěnjì chūxiàn wèntí.) (All reimbursements must be accompanied by original receipts to prevent issues during financial audits.)
  • Academic and Technical Writing: Research papers, user manuals, and technical specifications rely on 以免 to provide clear warnings and instructions. Example: 实验过程中请佩戴护目镜，以免化学液体溅入眼中。 (Shíyàn guòchéng zhōng qǐng pèidài hùmùjìng, yǐmiǎn huàxué yètǐ jiànrù yǎnzhōng.) (Please wear safety goggles during the experiment to prevent chemical splashes into the eyes.)
  • Public Signage and Official Announcements: You will often see 以免 on signs in public spaces like airports, train stations, and government buildings. Example: 请站稳扶好，以免列车颠簸造成摔伤。 (Qǐng zhànwěn fúhǎo, yǐmiǎn lièchē diānbǒ zàochéng shuāishāng.) (Please stand firm and hold on tight to avoid injury from the train's movement.)
2. Formal Spoken Chinese:
In speech, 以免 is reserved for more formal situations where a degree of seriousness is required.
  • Presentations and Speeches: A speaker might use 以免 to explain the rationale behind a certain strategy or procedure. Example: 我们必须优化供应链，以免成本失控。 (Wǒmen bìxū yōuhuà gōngyìngliàn, yǐmiǎn chéngběn shīkòng.) (We must optimize our supply chain to prevent costs from spiraling out of control.)
  • Serious Discussions and Negotiations: When discussing important matters, using 以免 adds weight and thoughtfulness to your points.
Contrast with 免得 (miǎnde):
Your choice between 以免 and its colloquial cousin 免得 (miǎnde) is a key indicator of your grasp of register.
| Feature | 以免 (yǐmiǎn) | 免得 (miǎnde) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Register | Formal. Associated with written language, professional settings, and educated speech. | Informal. Predominantly used in daily, spoken conversation. |
| Tone | Objective, serious, precautionary. | Casual, friendly, direct. Sometimes carries a slightly softer, almost nagging tone between friends. |
| Typical Use Case | A project manager emailing a team: 请大家及时更新任务状态，以免项目延期。 (Please update your task statuses in a timely manner to avoid project delays.) | A friend telling another: 你快点儿出门吧，免得又迟到了！ (You should leave now, so you aren't late again!) |
Using 以免 in a very casual chat with friends would be grammatically correct but socially awkward, like wearing a tuxedo to a barbecue. Conversely, using 免得 in a legal contract would be highly inappropriate and unprofessional.

Common Mistakes

While the concept of 以免 (yǐmiǎn) is straightforward, learners often fall into a few predictable traps. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial for using the structure correctly and sounding like a proficient speaker.
1. The Redundant Negative (The Double Negative Error)
This is by far the most common mistake. Because 以免 already means "to avoid" or "so as not to," the clause that follows it should describe the undesirable outcome in a positive form. Adding another negative word like 不 (bù) or 没 (méi) creates a logical contradiction.
  • Incorrect: 他说话很小心，以免不得罪人。 (Tā shuōhuà hěn xiǎoxīn, yǐmiǎn bù dézuì rén.)
  • Literal Meaning: He speaks carefully in order to avoid not offending people. (This implies he wants to offend them.)
  • Correct: 他说话很小心，以免得罪人。 (Tā shuōhuà hěn xiǎoxīn, yǐmiǎn dézuì rén.)
  • Correct Meaning: He speaks carefully in order to avoid offending people.
Why it happens: Learners often translate directly from their native language. In English, one might say "...so that you don't get lost." The learner then incorrectly inserts the word for "don't" (不) into the Chinese sentence, forgetting that 免 already serves this negative function.
2. Confusing with Positive Purpose (为了 wèile)
以免 is strictly for preventing negative outcomes. For achieving positive goals, you must use 为了 (wèile), which means "in order to" or "for the sake of."
  • Incorrect: 我每天都锻炼身体，以免身体健康。 (Wǒ měitiān dōu duànliàn shēntǐ, yǐmiǎn shēntǐ jiànkāng.)
  • Literal Meaning: I exercise every day in order to avoid being healthy.
  • Correct: 我每天都锻炼身体，为了身体健康。 (Wǒ měitiān dōu duànliàn shēntǐ, wèile shēntǐ jiànkāng.)
  • Correct Meaning: I exercise every day in order to be healthy.
| Conjunction | Purpose of Action | Example |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 以免 (yǐmiǎn) | Negative (To prevent a bad thing) | 早点出发，以免堵车。 (Leave early to avoid traffic jams.) |
| 为了 (wèile) | Positive (To achieve a good thing) | 早点出发，为了准时到达。 (Leave early in order to arrive on time.) |
3. Confusing with Consequence (否则 fǒuzé)
以免 and 否则 (fǒuzé) both involve negative outcomes, but they function very differently. 以免 introduces a purpose, while 否则 introduces a consequence.
  • 以免 (yǐmiǎn): Links a precautionary action to a potential bad outcome it is meant to prevent. Structure: [Precaution], 以免 [Potential Bad Outcome].
  • 否则 (fǒuzé): Means "otherwise." It sets up a conditional threat. Structure: [You must do X], 否则 [Y will happen].
  • Example with 以免: 我们最好现在出发，以免迟到。 (Wǒmen zuìhǎo xiànzài chūfā, yǐmiǎn chídào.)
  • Meaning: We had better leave now (precaution) so as not to be late (purpose of the precaution).
  • Example with 否则: 你必须现在出发，否则你会迟到。 (Nǐ bìxū xiànzài chūfā, fǒuzé nǐ huì chídào.)
  • Meaning: You must leave now (command), or else you will be late (direct consequence of not following the command).
否则 is much stronger and more of a warning or threat, whereas 以免 is about prudent planning.

Real Conversations

Observing 以免 (yǐmiǎn) in natural contexts helps clarify its use case and formality. Below are three scenarios where it might appear.

S

Scenario 1

Workplace Communication (in a project management chat)

- 张经理 (Manager Zhang): @所有人，关于下周的客户演示，请务必在周五下班前把各自负责的部分整合到共享文档中。

(@Quányuán, guānyú xiàzhōu de kèhù yǎnshì, qǐng wùbì zài zhōuwǔ xiàbān qián bǎ gèzì fùzé de bùfen zhěnghé dào gòngxiǎng wéndàng zhōng.)

(@All, regarding next week's client presentation, please be sure to integrate your respective parts into the shared document before the end of work on Friday.)

- 李娜 (Li Na): 收到。建议我们周五下午开个短会过一遍，以免整合后出现格式或逻辑不一致的问题。

(Shōudào. Jiànyì wǒmen zhōuwǔ xiàwǔ kāi gè duǎnhuì guò yībiàn, yǐmiǎn zhěnghé hòu chūxiàn géshì huò luójí bùyīzhì de wèntí.)

(Got it. I suggest we have a short meeting on Friday afternoon to go over it, so as to avoid any formatting or logical inconsistencies after integration.)

A

Analysis

Li Na uses 以免 here in a professional, constructive suggestion. It's polite, formal, and clearly states the potential problem (inconsistencies) that her proposed action (the meeting) is designed to prevent. This is a perfect example of its use in a collaborative work environment.
S

Scenario 2

Travel Planning (a text conversation between two meticulous friends)

- 小文 (Xiao Wen): 我刚把我们俩的护照、签证和电子机票都存到了Google Drive，也发了一份到你的邮箱。

(Wǒ gāng bǎ wǒmen liǎ de hùzhào, qiānzhèng hé diànzǐ jīpiào dōu cún dàole Google Drive, yě fāle yī fèn dào nǐ de yóuxiāng.)

(I just saved both our passports, visas, and e-tickets to Google Drive and also sent a copy to your email.)

- 阿杰 (Ah Jie): 太好了，你真靠谱！我再打印一份纸质版放在我背包里，以免到时候手机没电或者没网络。

(Tài hǎo le, nǐ zhēn kàopǔ! Wǒ zài dǎyìn yī fèn zhǐzhìbǎn fàng zài wǒ bēibāo lǐ, yǐmiǎn dàoshíhou shǒujī méi diàn huòzhě méi wǎngluò.)

(Great, you're so reliable! I'll print a paper copy to put in my backpack as well, in order to avoid a situation where our phones are out of battery or have no internet.)

A

Analysis

Although this is a conversation between friends, the context is serious planning. Ah Jie's use of 以免 reflects this slightly more formal tone. He is describing a precautionary measure (printing a paper copy) to prevent a specific set of problems (no battery, no internet). This shows how 以免 can appear in spoken language when the topic requires careful thought.
S

Scenario 3

Academic Setting (a professor giving instructions)

- 王教授 (Professor Wang): 同学们，期末论文的提交截止日期是6月15日晚上11点59分。请大家务必通过学校的在线系统提交。提交前，请使用查重软件自查，以免因引用不当而被判定为学术不端。

(Tóngxuémen, qīmò lùnwén de tíjiāo jiézhǐ rìqī shì 6 yuè 15 rì wǎnshàng 11 diǎn 59 fēn. Qǐng dàjiā wùbì tōngguò xuéxiào de zàixiàn xìtǒng tíjiāo. Tíjiāo qián, qǐng shǐyòng chá chóng ruǎnjiàn zìchá, yǐmiǎn yīn yǐnyòng bùdàng ér bèi pàndìng wéi xuéshù bùduān.)

(Students, the submission deadline for the final thesis is 11:59 PM on June 15th. You must submit it via the university's online system. Before submission, please use plagiarism detection software to check your own work, in order to avoid being flagged for academic misconduct due to improper citation.)

A

Analysis

This is a classic example of 以免 in a formal, instructional context. The professor is giving a clear directive with a serious potential consequence. The language is formal, direct, and leaves no room for misunderstanding.

Quick FAQ

Q: Is 以免 (yǐmiǎn) only for written Chinese?

It is predominantly used in written Chinese and formal spoken contexts. While you can use it in daily conversation, it will make you sound quite formal and serious. For casual, everyday advice among friends or family, 免得 (miǎnde) is a much more natural and common choice. Think of 以免 as formal attire and 免得 as casual wear.

Q: Can I start a sentence with 以免?

No. 以免 is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a clause of purpose. This purpose is logically dependent on a main action. Therefore, the clause stating the preventive action must always come first. The structure is fixed: [Action], 以免 [Outcome to Avoid].

Q: What is the difference between 以免 (yǐmiǎn) and 以防 (yǐfáng)?

This is an excellent question that touches on a fine point of usage. Both conjunctions mean "in order to prevent/avoid." They are often interchangeable, but there is a subtle distinction:

  • 以防 (yǐfáng - "to guard against"): This often implies guarding against a more concrete, external threat or a specific, tangible event. It has a nuance of taking defensive measures. For example: 多设几个摄像头，以防有小偷进入。 (Duō shè jǐ gè shèxiàngtóu, yǐfáng yǒu xiǎotōu jìnrù.) (Install more cameras to guard against thieves entering.)
  • 以免 (yǐmiǎn): This is slightly more general and can be used for both concrete events and more abstract consequences, such as misunderstandings, delays, or confusion. For example: 请把会议要点写下来，以免大家忘记。 (Qǐng bǎ huìyì yàodiǎn xiě xiàlái, yǐmiǎn dàjiā wàngjì.) (Please write down the meeting points so that everyone doesn't forget.)
In many cases, either word works. However, for concrete security measures, 以防 often feels slightly more idiomatic.
Q: How important is the comma before 以免?

In formal writing, it is standard and highly recommended. The comma provides a necessary pause that clearly demarcates the main action from its preventive purpose. This separation significantly improves the clarity and readability of the sentence. While you might see it omitted in less formal or rushed writing, including it is always the correct and safer choice for a learner aiming for proficiency in formal Chinese.

Formation of '以免' Clauses

Step Component Example
1
Action Clause
{带|dài} {伞|sǎn}
2
Connector
以免
3
Negative Outcome
{淋湿|línshī}

Meanings

A conjunction used to indicate that an action is taken to prevent a specific, undesirable result.

1

Preventative Action

Taking steps to avoid a negative consequence.

“{快|kuài} {走|zǒu}，以免 {迟到|chídào}。”

“{把|bǎ} {门|mén} {锁好|suǒhǎo}，以免 {小偷|xiǎotōu} {进来|jìnlái}。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Avoiding Trouble: How to use 'Lest' (以免)
Form Structure Example
Standard
Action + 以免 + Negative
{锁门|suǒmén}，以免 {被盗|bèidào}
Subjected
Action + 以免 + Subject + Negative
{我|wǒ} {写下|xiěxià}，以免 {你|nǐ} {忘记|wàngjì}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{请|qǐng} {携带|xiédài} {钥匙|yàoshi}，以免 {无法|wúfǎ} {进入|jìnrù}。

{请|qǐng} {携带|xiédài} {钥匙|yàoshi}，以免 {无法|wúfǎ} {进入|jìnrù}。 (Leaving home)

Neutral
{带上|dàishàng} {钥匙|yàoshi}，以免 {进不去|jìnbùqù}。

{带上|dàishàng} {钥匙|yàoshi}，以免 {进不去|jìnbùqù}。 (Leaving home)

Informal
{别|bié} {忘|wàng} {带|dài} {钥匙|yàoshi}，不然 {进不去|jìnbùqù}。

{别|bié} {忘|wàng} {带|dài} {钥匙|yàoshi}，不然 {进不去|jìnbùqù}。 (Leaving home)

Slang
带钥匙，省得麻烦。

带钥匙，省得麻烦。 (Leaving home)

The Logic of 以免

以免

Purpose

  • 预防 Prevention

Result

  • 负面 Negative
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

{带|dài} {水|shuǐ}，以免 {口渴|kǒukě}。

Bring water, so as not to be thirsty.

1

{快|kuài} {跑|pǎo}，以免 {错过|cuòguò} {火车|huǒchē}。

Run fast, so as not to miss the train.

1

{请|qǐng} {确认|quèrèn} {信息|xìnxī}，以免 {出错|chūcuò}。

Please confirm the information, so as not to make a mistake.

1

{我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {提前|tíqián} {准备|zhǔnbèi}，以免 {临时|línshí} {抱佛脚|bàofójiǎo}。

We should prepare in advance, so as not to cram at the last minute.

1

{必须|bìxū} {建立|jiànlì} {风险|fēngxiǎn} {预警|yùjǐng} {机制|jīzhì}，以免 {造成|zàochéng} {不可挽回|bùkěwǎnhuí} {的|de} {损失|sǔnshī}。

A risk warning mechanism must be established to avoid irreparable losses.

2

...

...

3

...

...

4

...

...

1

...

...

2

...

...

3

...

...

4

...

...

Easily Confused

Avoiding Trouble: How to use 'Lest' (以免) vs 为了

Both express purpose.

Common Mistakes

✗

{学习|xuéxí} {以免|yǐmiǎn} {考|kǎo} {好|hǎo}

✓

{学习|xuéxí} {为了|wèile} {考|kǎo} {好|hǎo}

Cannot use for positive outcomes.
✗

{以免|yǐmiǎn} {下雨|xiàyǔ}，{带|dài} {伞|sǎn}

✓

{带|dài} {伞|sǎn}，以免 {下雨|xiàyǔ}

Must follow the action.
✗

{我|wǒ} {跑|pǎo} {以免|yǐmiǎn} {我|wǒ} {迟到|chídào}

✓

{我|wǒ} {跑|pǎo}，以免 {迟到|chídào}

Avoid redundant subjects.
✗

{他|tā} {做|zuò} {了|le} {以免|yǐmiǎn} {失败|shībài}

✓

{他|tā} {做|zuò} {了|le} {准备|zhǔnbèi}，以免 {失败|shībài}

Missing the main action.

Sentence Patterns

___，以免 ___。

Real World Usage

Travel very common

带护照，以免麻烦。

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

Focus on the negative

Only use for bad things.

Smart Tips

Use it for warnings.

... → ...

Pronunciation

yǐ-miǎn

Tone

yǐ (3rd) miǎn (3rd).

Pause

Action [pause] 以免 [pause] Outcome

Clarifies the two parts.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '以免' as 'In-case-avoid'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person tying their shoelaces (Action) to avoid tripping (Negative Outcome).

Rhyme

To keep things safe and clean, use the connector 以免.

Story

Xiao Wang brought a map. He didn't want to get lost. He used '以免' to connect his action to his fear.

Word Web

预防避免防止后果安全

Challenge

Write 3 sentences today using '以免' regarding your daily routine.

Cultural Notes

Used frequently in formal notices.

Classical Chinese roots.

Conversation Starters

“

Why do you bring a charger?

Journal Prompts

Write about your morning routine.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

带伞，___淋湿。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以免
Negative outcome.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

带伞，___淋湿。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以免
Negative outcome.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{早点|zǎodiǎn}{睡觉|shuìjiào}，____ {明天|míngtiān}{没|méi}{精神|jīngshen}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以免
Rearrange the words to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {请|qǐng}{解释|jiěshì}{清楚|qīngchu}，{以免|yǐmiǎn}{误会|wùhuì}。
Translate into Chinese using 以免. Translation

Speak quietly to avoid waking the baby.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {小声|xiǎoshēng}{点儿|diǎnr}{说话|shuōhuà}，{以免|yǐmiǎn}{吵醒|chǎoxǐng}{宝宝|bǎobao}。
Which one is more formal? Multiple Choice

Which sentence would you use in a professional email?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {请|qǐng}{核对|héduì}{信息|xìnxī}，{以免|yǐmiǎn}{出错|chūcuò}。
Fix the double negative. Error Correction

{小心|xiǎoxīn}{开车|kāichē}，{以免|yǐmiǎn}{不|bù}{发生|fāshēng}{事故|shìgù}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {小心|xiǎoxīn}{开车|kāichē}，{以免|yǐmiǎn}{发生|fāshēng}{事故|shìgù}。
Match the action with its precautionary purpose. Match Pairs

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{大家|dàjiā}{让|ràng}{一|yí}{让|ràng}，____ {撞|zhuàng}{到|dào}{老人家|lǎorénjiā}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以免
Select the correct structure. Multiple Choice

Which structure represents the rule correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Action + 以免 + Negative Outcome
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {躲|duǒ}{起来|qǐlái}，{以免|yǐmiǎn}{被|bèi}{他|tā}{发现|fāxiàn}。
Translate to Chinese. Translation

Keep your phone charged to avoid missing calls.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {给|gěi}{手机|shǒujī}{充电|chōngdiàn}，{以免|yǐmiǎn}{漏|lòu}{接|jiē}{电话|diànhuà}。

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

No, only negative.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

para que no

Subjunctive mood in Spanish.

French high

de peur que

Requires subjunctive.

German high

damit nicht

Word order.

Japanese high

～ないように

Particle usage.

Arabic moderate

لئلا

Morphology.

Chinese high

免得

Formality.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Formal Purpose: 'So that' with 以便 (yǐbiàn)

Related Grammar Rules

C2

Advanced Causality: So... That (以致, 致使, 从而)

Overview Mastering advanced causal connectors is a hallmark of the C2 level, allowing you to articulate complex cause-a...
A1

Doing two things at once (一边...一边)

Overview In Chinese, expressing two actions occurring simultaneously is a fundamental aspect of clear communication. The...
A1

Using `虽然...但是` (suīrán...dànshì) to Say "Although... But..."

Overview The Chinese conjunction pair `虽然...但是` (`suīrán...dànshì`) is a fundamental structure for expressing contra...
A1

Casual 'If' in Chinese: Using 要是 (yàoshi)

Overview The ability to discuss conditions—"if this, then that"—is fundamental to any language. In Chinese, the concept...
B2

As Soon As... Then... (一...就...)

Overview The structure **`一...就...` (yī...jiù...)** is one of the most fundamental and high-frequency patterns in Man...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!