avoid taking sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid taking sides" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of remaining neutral in a debate, conflict, or discussion. Example: "In order to facilitate a fair discussion, it's crucial to avoid taking sides and listen to all perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"The effort of the contemporary laws of war is to avoid taking sides," Mr. Witt said.

The New York Times - Books

Eliot's strategy was to avoid taking sides by showing up on every side.

The New Yorker

It should condemn abuses of human rights and electoral malpractice, but it should avoid taking sides.

The Economist

Since most politics are stirred up by a conflict of interest, try to avoid taking sides.

The Guardian - Money

It can begin by seeking to avoid taking sides in a newly polarized world order.

The New York Times

During the second half of the 1850s, Davis tried to avoid taking sides between North and South.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

During the campaign, Washington wisely avoided taking sides.

The New York Times

The paper studiously avoids taking sides in the ideological wars over the food system.

The New York Times

The Shiite-led Iraqi government has avoided taking sides, at least overtly.

The Washington Post

Until now most Arab leaders have avoided taking sides in the dispute.

The New York Times

The United States has expressed concern but has generally avoided taking sides.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When mediating a dispute, "avoid taking sides" to ensure fairness and maintain trust with all parties involved.

Common error

Remember that "avoid taking sides" doesn't mean ignoring the issue. It means approaching it without pre-conceived biases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid taking sides" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a conscious decision to abstain from supporting any particular faction or viewpoint in a conflict or debate. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid taking sides" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey neutrality or impartiality in a conflict or debate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it is crucial to "avoid taking sides" to maintain fairness and objectivity, it's important to distinguish this from indifference or inaction. Instead of a refusal to engage, it advocates for a non-biased approach. Alternatives such as "remain neutral" or "stay impartial" offer similar meanings. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, writers can effectively communicate their intended message without unintentionally conveying apathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not take sides

Shortened version of the main query.

remain neutral

Focuses on maintaining a position of neutrality.

stay impartial

Highlights the importance of not showing favoritism.

not get involved

Emphasizes a decision to abstain from participation.

refrain from choosing sides

More formal and deliberate way of expressing neutrality.

keep out of it

More informal and suggests a desire to avoid conflict.

decline to take a position

Highlights the act of consciously avoiding a stance.

abstain from siding with

Emphasizes the avoidance of aligning with any particular group.

sit on the fence

Idiomatic expression indicating indecision or unwillingness to commit.

steer clear of the conflict

Highlights avoiding entanglement in a dispute

FAQs

How can I use "avoid taking sides" in a sentence?

You can use "avoid taking sides" when discussing the importance of remaining neutral in a debate, conflict, or discussion. For example: "In order to facilitate a fair discussion, it's crucial to "avoid taking sides" and listen to all perspectives."

What can I say instead of "avoid taking sides"?

You can use alternatives like "remain neutral", "stay impartial", or "not get involved" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "avoid taking sides"?

It's appropriate to "avoid taking sides" when acting as a mediator, facilitator, or when you need to ensure fairness and objectivity.

What's the difference between "avoid taking sides" and "remaining neutral"?

While similar, "avoid taking sides" often implies a conscious effort to not get involved in an ongoing dispute, while "remaining neutral" focuses more on maintaining a balanced and unbiased perspective.