What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
averts
Example
The quick thinking of the pilot averted a disaster. [averted: past tense]
Example
She averts her gaze to avoid eye contact with him. [averts: verb]
prevent
Example
Wearing a seatbelt can help prevent serious injuries in a car accident. [prevent: verb]
Example
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can prevent many diseases. [prevent: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevent is more commonly used than averts in everyday language. Prevent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while averts is less common and has a more formal tone.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between averts and prevent?
While averts is typically associated with a more formal tone, prevent is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.