以免
so as not to; lest
Structure
行为 ， 以免／免得 不希望发生的事
What it means
So as not to; lest: the second clause names a bad thing that the first action is meant to prevent.
How it is built
Action，以免 + unwanted result: 出门带把伞，以免淋雨 (Take an umbrella so you do not get soaked). The result is stated plainly: 淋雨, 迟到, 忘记.
When to use it
以免 is written; 免得 and 省得 are spoken. Its mirror image is 以便 (so that something good becomes easier). 以免 opens the second clause, not the sentence.
Watch out
No extra 不 after 以免; it already means 'so as not to': ✗ 早点出发，以免不迟到 ✓ 早点出发，以免迟到.
Examples
人们把粽子扔进江里，以免鱼吃掉他的身体。
People threw zongzi into the river so the fish would not eat his body.
出门带把伞，免得淋雨。
Take an umbrella so you do not get soaked.
Learn this in Lesson 32 · HSK 5–6: 传统节日 (The traditional festivals)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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