[Grammar] avoid something from being done

[suzana khe]

Hello, I would like to ask you for help with the phrase 'avoid something from being done'.
The example is 'The doctors are doing their best to avoid the amputation of his leg'
and then with the use of avoid 'The doctors are doing their best to avoid his leg from being amputated'- is this sentence correct?? If not how should I paraphrase it?:roll:
I feel I need more clarification about the usage of 'avoid' with the passive voice.
Thank you in advance!

 

[Barb_D]

Hello suzana, and welcome to Using English.

Generally, we avoid doing something ourselves. We can prevent something from being done by someone else.
The doctors are doing their best to prevent (the need for ) his leg to be amputated. (I hope they wouldn't try to prevent the surgery if it were medically needed.)

Don't try to use "avoid" and the passive together.

 

[MikeNewYork]

One could say the surgeons are trying to avoid having to amputate his leg. I agree with Barb. The passive voice would be very odd.