avoid the subject of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid the subject of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing topics that someone is intentionally not addressing or steering clear of in a conversation or text. Example: "During the meeting, she chose to avoid the subject of budget cuts, focusing instead on team morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In their sermons, they avoid the subject of race.

The New York Times

But journalists need not avoid the subject of money altogether.

The New Yorker

But they tend to avoid the subject of Europe, too.

The Economist

It's impossible to avoid the subject of cricket.

The Guardian - Travel

Clearly she would say anything to avoid the subject of daily allowances.

The Guardian

When chatting with Jews, try to avoid the subject of the death of Jesus.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"The Star-Spangled Banner" — which one ought to admire, whatever its flaws, for its ability to avoid the subjects of religion and ancestry — looks at the sky, over and past the ramparts.

The New Yorker

However, he shares the general enthusiasm for avoiding the subject of gun control.

The New York Times

But it's not an important book because she completely avoided the subject of genital mutilation".

The Guardian - Arts

He knew that she was only avoiding the subject of summer plans, but he felt cornered.

The New Yorker

Collins seeks no absolution and avoids the subject of his 1998 problems.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avoid the subject of" when you want to describe a deliberate action of steering clear of a particular topic, often due to discomfort, controversy, or strategic reasons. For example, "During the negotiation, they chose to avoid the subject of past failures."

Common error

Be direct and clear about what is being avoided. Vague language can make your writing seem evasive or unclear. Instead of saying someone "dances around" an issue, use "avoid the subject of" for more precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid the subject of" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates a deliberate action of steering clear of a particular topic or issue. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, highlighting its active and intentional nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avoid the subject of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes the deliberate act of steering clear of a particular topic. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, it's best to be direct about what is being avoided and consider using alternatives like "steer clear of the topic" or "dodge the issue" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid vagueness, and ensure the phrase aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steer clear of the topic

Focuses on intentionally keeping a distance from a specific topic.

dodge the issue

Implies skillful evasion of a problematic or controversial matter.

evade the question

Highlights the act of sidestepping a direct inquiry.

skirt around the matter

Suggests a roundabout way of dealing with something without directly confronting it.

sidestep the topic

Emphasizes a move to the side to avoid a direct confrontation with a topic.

gloss over the issue

Implies treating a subject lightly or superficially to minimize its importance.

brush aside the question

Indicates a dismissive attitude towards a particular query or subject.

circumvent the matter

Focuses on finding a way around a problem or subject without directly addressing it.

shun the topic

Highlights a deliberate act of avoiding or rejecting a subject.

keep mum about the issue

Suggests maintaining silence or secrecy regarding a particular matter.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "avoid the subject of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "refrain from discussing", "elude the topic of", or "circumvent the issue of".

What's a more casual way to say "avoid the subject of"?

Informal alternatives include phrases like "steer clear of", "duck the issue", or "sidestep the topic".

Is there a difference between "avoid the subject of" and "ignore the subject of"?

"Avoid the subject of" suggests a conscious effort to not engage with a topic. "Ignore the subject of" implies a lack of attention or acknowledgement, which might not always be intentional.

When is it appropriate to use "avoid the subject of" in writing?

Use "avoid the subject of" when you want to clearly state that someone is deliberately choosing not to talk about or address a particular issue, often due to sensitivity, strategy, or discomfort. For example, "The politician chose to avoid the subject of his past scandals during the interview."