are avoiding that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are avoiding that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or behaviors that someone is intentionally not engaging in or steering clear of. Example: "They are avoiding that topic during the meeting to prevent any conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We are avoiding that situation by coming up with schemes that allow us to monitor implementation".

The Guardian

"And I think people are avoiding that now".

The New York Times

If they are avoiding that, maybe they don't have that confidence".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In 1928, the advice was: "Split infinitives should be avoided – that is, the separation of the verb from its preposition.

The Guardian

Given the rate at which tax is avoided, that is a big project in itself and could save lots of public services.

The Guardian - Business

The use of interfaces is avoided that makes possible to minimize uniformly the error due to the Lagrange interpolation.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

The use of outer surfaces and interfaces is avoided that makes it possible to minimize uniformly the error due to the Lagrange interpolation.

Composite Structures

The use of outer surfaces and interfaces is avoided that makes possible to minimize uniformly the error due to the Lagrange interpolation.

Composite Structures

Other folks who were smarter than we were avoided that trap.

Huffington Post

If it can all be avoided that is better, rather than complain later as to why men keep interacting.

Vice

If expensive defensive medicine can be avoided, that savings alone could pay for fairly large life insurance policies.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are avoiding that" when you want to clearly state that a person or group is consciously choosing not to engage with something, often to prevent a negative outcome.

Common error

Be precise about what "that" refers to. Ensure the context makes it explicitly clear to the reader, otherwise rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are avoiding that" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate action of evasion or circumvention. It suggests a conscious choice not to engage with something, often to prevent a negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are avoiding that" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate a deliberate act of evasion. Ludwig confirms its versatility across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While it's not exceptionally common, it effectively communicates the intention to steer clear of something, often to prevent negative outcomes. Consider related phrases like "are steering clear of that" or "are evading that" for alternative phrasing. Ensure the reference of "that" is explicit to maintain clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are steering clear of that

Replaces "avoiding" with a more descriptive verb phrase, emphasizing intentional detour.

are evading that

Suggests an attempt to escape or dodge "that".

are shying away from that

Implies reluctance or hesitation in approaching "that".

are keeping away from that

Highlights maintaining a distance, either physically or metaphorically.

are refraining from that

Emphasizes conscious self-restraint from engaging in "that".

are bypassing that

Indicates going around or circumventing "that" without direct interaction.

are circumventing that

Similar to bypassing, suggesting skillful maneuvering to avoid "that".

are giving that a wide berth

Idiomatic expression indicating a desire to keep a safe distance from "that".

are not engaging in that

A straightforward alternative, focusing on the lack of participation.

are abstaining from that

Implies a deliberate decision to withhold oneself from "that", often for moral or ethical reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "are avoiding that" in a sentence?

You can use "are avoiding that" to describe actions people take to evade something. For instance, "They "are avoiding that" topic during the meeting to prevent conflict."

What are some alternatives to "are avoiding that"?

Consider alternatives like "are steering clear of that", "are evading that", or "are shying away from that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are avoiding that" in writing?

"Are avoiding that" is suitable when indicating a deliberate action to evade or prevent something, particularly in situations where the avoidance is strategic or intentional.

What's the difference between "are avoiding that" and "are preventing that"?

"Are avoiding that" suggests steering clear of something, while "are preventing that" implies taking action to stop something from happening altogether. The former focuses on evasion, the latter on active intervention.