以免yǐmiǎn

Conjunction 以免 (yǐmiǎn) – so as to avoid, lest, in order not to

Pattern

1
开车时请系好安全带，以免发生意外。
Kāichē shí qǐng jì hǎo ānquándài, yǐmiǎn fāshēng yìwài.
Please fasten your seatbelt while driving so as to prevent accidents.
2
出门前检查门窗，以免被盗。
Chūmén qián jiǎnchá ménchuāng, yǐmiǎn bèi dào.
Check doors and windows before leaving home to avoid being burgled.
3
请按时提交报告，以免影响进度。
Qǐng ànshí tíjiāo bàogào, yǐmiǎn yǐngxiǎng jìndù.
Please submit the report on time lest the progress be delayed.

•Never put 不 after 以免 as 免 already carries negative meaning; do not use 以免 for positive outcomes.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Error: 以免不发生意外 — 免 already negates, so do not add 不.

•Using 以免 for positive aims: use 以便 instead.

•Confusing 以免 with 免得 in official contexts: 以免 is preferred in formal writing.

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 6 to master all skills together.