around the question

USAGE SUMMARY

"around the question" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when discussing a topic or issue, but not directly addressing it. It can also be used when someone is avoiding a direct answer. Example: "The politician skirted around the question of her involvement in the scandal during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They've danced right around the question".

The New York Times - Sports

The third complex revolves around the question of gender.

University of Pennsylvania

This one revolves around the question of what to do with Manu Tuilagi.

Independent

I have a fear of death, and all my films revolve around the question of death.

The New York Times

Much of the debate on Friday revolved around the question of how to define an artist.

The New York Times

The conflict revolved around the question of the Storting's confidence in the government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This workshop will center around the question: Is HP really more powerful than SDP?

University of California, Berkeley

Ryan danced around the question of whether Revis would be back in 2013.

The New York Times - Sports

It was unclear whether Mr. Aboul Fotouh had successfully wiggled his way around the question.

The New York Times

Their greatest power struggle takes place around the question of horses.

The New Yorker

The lesson: don't give the interviewee too much wiggle room to sneak around the question.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "around the question", ensure that the surrounding sentences provide enough context to understand what is being avoided or discussed indirectly.

Common error

Avoid using "around the question" when you actually mean addressing the question directly. The former implies indirectness or avoidance, while the latter suggests a direct engagement with the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around the question" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb to indicate indirectness or avoidance in addressing a specific issue. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing how individuals or entities handle sensitive or controversial topics without directly confronting them.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around the question" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate indirectness or avoidance when addressing a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While there are alternative phrases like "skirt the problem" and "evade the topic", it’s crucial to use "around the question" when you specifically mean to convey indirectness rather than direct engagement. Its versatile usage makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication, provided the context supports the notion of discussing something without directly confronting it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dance around the issue

Similar to the original, but emphasizes a more playful or deliberate avoidance.

tiptoe around the subject

Implies careful and cautious handling of a sensitive subject.

revolve around the subject

Indicates that the subject is a central point of discussion or concern.

beat around the bush

An idiomatic expression meaning to avoid getting to the point.

center on the topic

Highlights the topic as the main focus.

skirt the problem

Suggests a light, glancing contact with the problem, avoiding direct engagement.

evade the topic

Highlights the act of dodging the subject.

side step the concern

Implies deliberately avoiding a direct confrontation with the concern.

circumvent the issue

Focuses on avoiding the issue entirely.

address indirectly

Directly states the indirect nature of the address.

FAQs

How can I use "around the question" in a sentence?

You can use "around the question" to describe discussing a topic without directly addressing it, as in "The politician danced around the question during the interview".

What are some alternatives to using "around the question"?

You can use alternatives like "skirt the problem", "evade the topic", or "beat around the bush" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "address the question" or go "around the question"?

Whether to "address the question" directly or go "around the question" depends on the context. Addressing it directly is suitable when clarity and honesty are needed, while going "around the question" might be used to avoid controversy or sensitive issues.

What does it mean when someone "dances around the question"?

When someone "dances around the question", it means they are avoiding giving a direct answer or addressing the main point, often by talking about related but less sensitive topics.