avoidance of conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoidance of conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is intentionally not engaging in dialogue or discussion. Example: "Her avoidance of conversation during the meeting made it difficult to address the issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Why the persistent avoidance of conversation about actual artistic content?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The avoidance of conversations about prognosis, thus, can be explained and understood in the light of the patients' attempt to maintain meaningfulness and agency through what la Cour, Johannessen, and Josephsson, (2009) refer to as the experience of 'being normal and healthy while sick' and through keeping 'routines and continuity'.

Functional Linguistics

When communication frequently fails, negative experiences can lead to avoidance of conversations and so-called 'communication break downs'.

BMC Geriatrics

Other symptoms he exhibited included hypervigilance, insomnia, difficulty concentrating and avoidance of conversations related to the war episode when he was imprisoned.

European Journal of Cancer, Supplement

Corporate America, and the nation as a whole, mirrors Ferguson in its avoidance of serious conversations about race, prejudice, unconscious bias, and microaggressions that harm morale and productivity.

Huffington Post

Tax avoidance is a hot topic of conversation again this week, but hardly a new one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their avoidance of eye contact and awkward conversation attempts can be misread as rudeness or being antisocial, when really they would like to get to know people better.

WikiHow

The Negative Symptom factor includes measures of blunted affect, emotional withdrawal, poor rapport, passive/apathetic social withdrawal, flow of conversation, motor retardation, and active social avoidance.

BMC Psychiatry

(Odd bits of conversation).

The New Yorker

Reports snatches of conversation.

The New Yorker

Lots of conversation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "avoidance of conversation", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the avoidance is intentional, unintentional, or due to external factors. This precision will enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid attributing "avoidance of conversation" solely to disinterest or negativity. Factors such as cultural norms, anxiety, or communication difficulties can also contribute to it. Always consider the potential underlying reasons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoidance of conversation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of evading or preventing dialogue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avoidance of conversation" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, particularly News & Media and Science. It functions as a noun phrase describing the act of deliberately evading dialogue. Related phrases include "evasion of dialogue" and "shunning discussion", each with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, consider the underlying reasons for the avoidance and ensure clarity in your writing. While it may sometimes imply negative connotations, it could also represent a strategic choice. As noted earlier, Ludwig AI has provided relevant examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evasion of dialogue

Emphasizes a deliberate act of dodging or escaping a direct exchange.

shunning discussion

Highlights a deliberate act of ignoring or rejecting a particular discussion.

withdrawal from discourse

Focuses on the act of removing oneself from a formal or extended communication.

silencing communication

Indicates the act of suppressing or preventing conversation.

circumventing talk

Suggests going around or avoiding a direct conversation.

aversion to chat

Implies a dislike or disinclination towards casual conversation.

intentional silence

Focuses on the deliberate choice to remain quiet instead of engaging in conversation.

sidestepping communication

Highlights moving to the side in order to avoid engaging in a conversation.

bypassing dialogue

Suggests ignoring usual communication channels.

decline to converse

Formally refusing to take part in a conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "avoidance of conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "avoidance of conversation" to describe someone's behavior or a general trend. For example, "His "avoidance of conversation" during the family dinner was noticeable" or "The "avoidance of conversation" about sensitive topics created tension within the group".

What are some synonyms for "avoidance of conversation"?

Alternatives include "evasion of dialogue", "shunning discussion", or "withdrawal from discourse", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "avoidance of conversation"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply discomfort or conflict, "avoidance of conversation" can also be a strategic choice or a coping mechanism in certain situations.

How does "avoidance of conversation" differ from simply being quiet?

"Avoidance of conversation" suggests a deliberate effort to not engage in dialogue, possibly due to discomfort or a specific reason. Being quiet, on the other hand, might simply indicate a person's natural disposition or lack of something to say.