avoid conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid conversation" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the act of steering clear of engaging in dialogue or discussion. For example, "He tends to avoid conversation when he feels uncomfortable." Alternative expressions include "steer clear of discussion" and "shun dialogue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I avoid conversation, as my husband knows.

The New Yorker

I usually go straight to sleep and actively avoid conversation.

The New York Times

As a rule, I avoid conversation on flights.

The Guardian - Travel

It seems best, therefore, to avoid conversation entirely.

The New Yorker

He described taking out his stethoscope, but "turning away a little to avoid conversation".

The Guardian

(Bloomberg had been here before, and may have wanted to avoid conversation: his was the lone undecided vote in the group).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Mr. Harfst described a woman who, somewhat contrarily, uses the site to avoid conversations.

The New York Times - Tech

KEVIN CONLEY: Actually, growing up in Detroit, I did whatever I could to avoid conversations about cars.

The New Yorker

"With a civil partnership, we can come up with our own rituals and avoid conversations about rings, white dresses, and bridesmaids," she said.

Independent

How so? A. It's not that I cover up cultural identity, but it is true that I avoid conversations about Israel and Palestine, you know?

The New York Times

Wherever you are in the country, it is hard to avoid conversations about Hughes's death.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with specific reasons (e.g., 'due to exhaustion' or 'to maintain focus') to provide necessary context.

Common error

Avoid using 'avoid conversations' when referring to a general behavioral trait. While 'conversations' (plural) is correct when referring to multiple specific instances, the singular 'conversation' is more natural for describing a general tendency or a single social setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid conversation" functions as a verb phrase composed of the transitive verb 'avoid' and the noun 'conversation'. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears as an infinitive (to avoid...) to indicate purpose or as a gerund (avoiding...) when describing a behavior in progress. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academic

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "avoid conversation" is a versatile and correct phrase used to describe the act of steering clear of verbal interaction. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in high-authority sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where it often appears in contexts ranging from personal memoirs to behavioral science. Whether you are writing about introversion, social anxiety, or simply the desire for peace on a commute, this phrase is the most natural and effective way to convey the concept. For more specific instances, alternatives like "shun dialogue" or "evade discussion" may be used, but "avoid conversation" remains the gold standard for general use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shun dialogue

Uses a stronger, more literary verb to imply a deliberate rejection of speaking

steer clear of talking

A more idiomatic and informal way to express avoidance

evade discussion

Suggests avoiding specific topics or potentially confrontational exchanges

abstain from speaking

A formal or clinical version often used in technical or medical contexts

sidestep interaction

Broadens the scope to include non-verbal social engagement

bypass small talk

Refers specifically to avoiding trivial or introductory conversation

withhold communication

Implies a more serious or strategic refusal to share information

duck a chat

A colloquial expression for physically or socially dodging a conversation

skirt the issue

Specifically refers to avoiding the main point of a discussion

maintain silence

Focuses on the state of being quiet rather than the act of avoidance

FAQs

How do I use "avoid conversation" in a sentence?

You can use it as a direct object for a subject's action, such as: "He put on his headphones to "avoid conversation" on the train".

What can I say instead of "avoid conversation"?

Depending on the tone, you could use "shun interaction" for a more formal feel, or "steer clear of talking" in casual contexts.

What is the difference between "avoid conversation" and "evade discussion"?

While both involve avoidance, "evade discussion" usually implies dodging a specific topic or a serious debate, whereas "avoid conversation" is a broader term for avoiding any verbal exchange.

Is "avoid conversation" considered formal?

It is a neutral phrase. If you need something more clinical or formal, you might use "abstain from dialogue" or "refrain from verbal engagement".