So as to avoid with 以免 — Chinese grammar (HSK 6)

Precaution，以免 + Unwanted result

以免 (yǐmiǎn) means "so as not to / lest" and introduces the bad outcome that the first action is meant to prevent. It starts the second clause and is typical of written instructions and advice. English often uses "in order not to" or "to avoid".

Examples

出门以前检查一下窗户，以免发生危险。 Chūmén yǐqián jiǎnchá yīxià chuānghu, yǐmiǎn fāshēng wēixiǎn.	Check the windows before going out, to avoid any danger.
请提前出发，以免迟到。 Qǐng tíqián chūfā, yǐmiǎn chídào.	Please set off early so as not to be late.
说话要注意方式，以免引起误会。 Shuōhuà yào zhùyì fāngshì, yǐmiǎn yǐnqǐ wùhuì.	Mind how you speak, to avoid causing misunderstandings.

Tip: What follows 以免 is what you want to avoid, so do not add 不: 以免迟到, not 以免不迟到.