avoid dealing with

USAGE SUMMARY

"avoid dealing with" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the intention to not engage with a particular issue or situation. Example: "She prefers to avoid dealing with conflicts directly." Alternative expressions include "steer clear of" and "shy away from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Should pre-watershed dramas avoid dealing with difficult issues or avoid comedy or pop music?

The Guardian

Businessmen hire private security firms in order to avoid dealing with the local police.

The New Yorker

It's normal to round the value in order to avoid dealing with coins.

The Guardian - Money

Schools hide behind the legislation to avoid dealing with homophobic bullying.

The Guardian

This was a way to avoid dealing with legitimate egalitarian demands.

The New York Times

But feeling misled, they wanted to avoid dealing with those sellers.

The New York Times

Any form of closed fuel cycle cannot avoid dealing with large quantities of radioactive materials.

Applied Energy

Fletcher can also, if he chooses, avoid dealing with the media.

The New York Times - Sports

The government is constantly creating emergencies to avoid dealing with more serious problems.

The New York Times

The more we avoid dealing with these issues, the more we fuel the fires of protectionism.

The New York Times

To avoid dealing with difficult people, don't give them a reason to be difficult in the first place.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express that someone intentionally chooses not to manage or engage with a situation or topic, use "avoid dealing with". It implies a conscious decision to sidestep the matter.

Common error

Be careful not to replace "with" with other prepositions after "dealing". The phrase "avoid dealing with" is the standard and grammatically correct form. Using other prepositions will change the meaning or make the phrase incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid dealing with" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of intentionally evading or choosing not to engage with a particular person, situation, or problem. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avoid dealing with" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of intentionally evading or choosing not to engage with something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, ensure that you use the correct preposition "with" and consider alternative phrases like ""sidestep addressing"" or ""evade confronting"" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sidestep addressing

Emphasizes skillfully evading a topic or issue, implying a strategic maneuver.

skirt around handling

Suggests a cautious approach, indirectly addressing something without fully engaging.

evade confronting

Focuses on avoiding a direct encounter or conflict.

bypass managing

Highlights circumventing the process of managing something, often implying efficiency.

shun engaging with

Indicates a deliberate act of avoiding involvement or participation.

dodge confronting

Implies quick and nimble avoidance of an issue or person.

circumvent tackling

Stresses finding a way around a problem or task, often ingeniously.

refrain from addressing

Formal way to express avoiding dealing, emphasizing intentional restraint.

neglect to attend to

Suggests oversight or failure to properly handle something.

abstain from intervening in

Formal term indicating deliberate non-involvement in a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "avoid dealing with" in a sentence?

You can use "avoid dealing with" to describe the act of deliberately not engaging with a person, problem, or situation. For instance, "The company decided to "avoid dealing with" the negative press by not issuing a statement".

What are some alternatives to "avoid dealing with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "sidestep addressing", "skirt around handling", or "evade confronting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "avoid dealing with" a problem or to confront it?

Whether to ""avoid dealing with"" a problem or confront it depends on the context. Sometimes, avoidance can be a strategic decision to conserve resources or de-escalate a situation. Other times, direct confrontation is necessary to resolve the issue effectively.

What's the difference between "avoiding dealing with" and "failing to address"?

"Avoiding dealing with" implies a conscious choice to not engage, while "failing to address" suggests a lack of action, possibly due to oversight or inability. The first is intentional, the second may be unintentional.