How to use 以免
Precaution / instruction，以免 + unwanted outcome
以免 introduces the unwanted outcome an action is intended to prevent. The first clause typically gives a precaution, reminder, or instruction, and the second explains why it matters. English may use so as to avoid or so that something does not happen. The intended prevention is built into 免, so the following proposition normally names the unwanted event itself.
Put 以免 before a complete and natural outcome phrase. A separate subject can appear when the person affected differs from the earlier clause. Do not automatically add 不 just because the English translation uses not; check whether that would reverse the intended meaning. The expression is especially common in written advice and formal instructions.
Examples with pinyin and English
请提前出发，以免迟到。
Please leave early to avoid being late.
The second clause names the event the precaution prevents.
把地址写下来，以免忘记。
Write down the address so you do not forget it.
No extra negative is needed before the unwanted outcome.
请关好门，以免猫跑出去。
Please close the door properly so the cat does not run outside.
The outcome clause has its own subject.
What to remember
- State the precaution before 以免.
- Name the unwanted outcome after it.
- Check additional negation carefully to preserve the meaning.
Practise the pattern
Use one example as a model. Change the people, objects or situation, keeping the grammar pattern in the same order. Read the explanation again to check how your sentence uses the construction.
Look up the grammar words
Source and editorial notes
Explanation and examples written for Laowai using the grammar curriculum as a topic reference. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.