Grammar fix

ward off

fend off (something negative or harmful)

to prevent something unpleasant, dangerous, or unwanted from affecting you, often by taking action in advance

phrasal verbC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

She drinks herbal tea every morning to ward off colds during the winter.health
Many people believe that regular exercise can help ward off stress and improve overall wellbeing.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: ward off + noun (danger/threat/problem/illness/attack/criticism)

WrongHe waved off the attack.

RightHe warded off the attack.

It's 'ward off' (fend off), not 'wave off' (dismiss / say goodbye).

Patternward off + noun (danger/threat/problem/illness/attack/criticism)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff She took vitamins to prevent the onset of a cold.

Natural She takes vitamins to ward off colds.

'Ward off' is the idiomatic verb for keeping something bad at bay; the paraphrase is wordy.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

ward off + threat
a coldattackersevilhunger

Don't confuse it

'Ward off' is not the same as simply 'avoid', which means not to come into contact with something at all. 'Ward off' suggests you are actively stopping something that is already coming towards you or threatening you.

Try it in Daily Speak →