以免 (in order to avoid)

• 拼音: yǐmiǎn
• 结构: Precautionary Action + ，以免 + Undesirable Outcome
• 汉字拆解: 以 = single character meaning 'with/by means of'; 免 = derives from 兔 (rabbit), originally meant 'to escape,' now means 'to avoid'

含义

The conjunction 以免 is used before a clause to express the purpose of avoiding an undesirable outcome. It is equivalent to 'so as to avoid,' 'in order to prevent,' or 'lest.'

以免 is a conjunction used between a main clause and a subordinate clause, where the subordinate clause describes the situation to be avoided. It is more formal than 免得, which conveys a similar meaning but is more colloquial. The structure typically places the precautionary action before 以免 and the undesirable outcome after it. Unlike 为了不 which can appear at the beginning of a sentence, 以免 almost always appears in the middle, connecting two clauses. It is particularly common in written Chinese, formal speech, announcements, and instructions.

例句

1. 出门前检查一下门窗，以免被小偷光顾。
2. 请提前十五分钟到达会场，以免迟到影响会议进程。
3. 食物要放进冰箱保存，以免变质。

用法指南

语境: written, formal, instructions

语气: cautionary

正确说法

• 记得带上雨伞，以免淋雨感冒。
• 合同条款要仔细核对，以免日后产生纠纷。
• 尽量少吃油腻的食物，以免加重肠胃负担。

错误说法

• 以免下雨，我带了伞。(以免 introduces the undesirable outcome to be avoided, not the reason for an action — restructure so the precaution comes first) → 我带了伞，以免淋雨。
• 我以免迟到了。(以免 must be followed by a clause describing what is being avoided, not used as a standalone verb — use 为了不 or restructure the sentence) → 我提前出发了，以免迟到。

起源与历史

以免 is a formal conjunction combining 以 (in order to) and 免 (avoid/exempt). It originates from classical Chinese and retains a somewhat literary flavor in modern usage, though it is widely used in both spoken and written Mandarin for expressing preventive purpose.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal