avoid mentioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid mentioning" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically means to not bring up a specific subject or topic. For example, "I would rather avoid mentioning politics at the dinner party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wanted to avoid mentioning names".

Independent

For days, they avoid mentioning the obvious.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's also hard to avoid mentioning Dan Brown.

The Guardian - Books

He even managed to avoid mentioning Macomber's name in public.

The New Yorker

Should your card avoid mentioning Christmas (offensive to non-Christians)?

The Guardian

Finally, Everdell allowed Abdelrahman to avoid mentioning the FARC, or even the word "terrorist".

The New Yorker

He was allowed to avoid mentioning his private conversation with Oppenheimer.

The New York Times - Books

So he has done his best to avoid mentioning his strong anti-gun-control positions.

The New York Times

"I went to some lengths to avoid mentioning the sex of God," muses Burningham.

The Guardian - Books

They avoid mentioning the Pakistani spy service by name, for example.

The Guardian

Both titles avoid mentioning Algeria and Iraq, names of the modern, secular states created by Europeans.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avoid mentioning" when you want to deliberately omit a topic or detail from a discussion or piece of writing. It's useful when tact or discretion is needed.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "omit", "exclude", or "refrain from mentioning" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid mentioning" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice to omit or exclude a particular topic or detail from being discussed or noted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid mentioning" is a common and versatile verb phrase used to indicate the deliberate omission of a topic or detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Wiki sources. When using "avoid mentioning", it's essential to consider the context and choose synonyms like "refrain from mentioning" or "omit mentioning" in more formal settings. A key best practice is to use the phrase when tact or discretion is needed, while being cautious of overusing it in contexts that require more precise language. The phrase serves to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, or prevent offense, making it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from mentioning

This alternative emphasizes a deliberate act of holding back from saying something.

omit mentioning

This option focuses on the act of leaving something out entirely.

leave out mentioning

This is a more informal way to say that something is not included.

skip mentioning

This suggests a quick and perhaps unintentional omission.

not bring up

This alternative focuses on avoiding initiating a topic in conversation.

steer clear of mentioning

This phrase implies a conscious effort to avoid a potentially problematic topic.

gloss over

This suggests briefly mentioning something without going into detail.

downplay mentioning

This means to reduce the importance or significance of something when mentioning it.

brush aside

Implies ignoring or dismissing something quickly when mentioning it.

sidestep mentioning

This suggests skillfully avoiding a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "avoid mentioning" in a sentence?

You can use "avoid mentioning" to suggest omitting a specific topic or detail from a discussion. For instance, "Please "avoid mentioning" the surprise party to John."

What can I say instead of "avoid mentioning"?

You can use alternatives like "refrain from mentioning", "omit mentioning", or "leave out mentioning" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "avoid mentioning" something?

It's appropriate to ""avoid mentioning"" sensitive topics to protect someone's feelings or to maintain confidentiality. For example, you might ""avoid mentioning"" someone's past mistakes.

Is there a difference between "avoid mentioning" and "avoid bringing up"?

While both suggest omitting a topic, ""avoid mentioning"" is a more general term, while "avoid bringing up" specifically refers to not initiating a topic in conversation.