Spanish Phrase
¿Cómo evito que las cosas se muevan?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for advice or a method to keep objects from moving. It can refer to literal objects (books on a shelf, furniture during transport) or to figurative situations (preventing ideas from ‘shifting’ in a discussion).
When to use
Use this question when you need practical tips—whether you’re packing, setting up a studio, or trying to keep a plan steady. It’s a polite, neutral‑register way to request a solution.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cómoevitoquelascosassemuevan?
Cómo (interrogative adverb)
Used to ask 'how' and always carries an accent on the ó.
evito (present indicative)
First‑person singular of evitar; expresses a present action or habit.
que + subjunctive
The conjunction que triggers the subjunctive when it follows verbs of desire, fear, or prevention such as evitar.
se (reflexive pronoun)
Here it forms a passive‑like construction with mover, indicating that the things move on their own.
muevan (present subjunctive)
Third‑person plural of mover in the subjunctive, required after que because of the preceding evitar.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo evito que las cosas se muevan cuando las transporto en el coche?
How do I prevent things from moving when I transport them in the car?
Puedes usar correas, mantas antideslizantes y colocar los objetos más pesados abajo.
You can use straps, non‑slip blankets, and place the heavier items at the bottom.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cómo evito que las cosas se mueven?
After "que" you need the subjunctive, not the indicative.
¿Como evito que las cosas se muevan?
The interrogative adverb must have an accent: "¿Cómo?"
¿Cómo evito que las cosas se mover?
The verb after "que" must be conjugated in the subjunctive; use "muevan".
↔Alternatives
¿Cómo puedo impedir que las cosas se muevan?
How can I stop things from moving?
¿Qué hago para que las cosas no se muevan?
What should I do so that things don’t move?
¿De qué manera evito que los objetos se desplacen?
In what way do I avoid the objects from shifting?
Cultural Tip
In Spanish, verbs that express prevention (evitar, impedir, evitar que) always require the subjunctive in the clause that follows. Native speakers will notice a missing accent on "Cómo" or a wrong verb form (e.g., "mueven") as a sign of beginner level. Also, the reflexive "se" with mover is common when the movement is not caused by a clear agent, making the sentence sound more natural.