avoiding contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoiding contact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is trying to stay away from or not engage with someone or something. Example: "In order to maintain social distance, many people are focusing on avoiding contact with others during the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Paula Olsen, 48, of Cromwell was not avoiding contact.

The New York Times

He had taken to saying "no" to everything, staying in, living reclusively, avoiding contact.

The Guardian - Books

"When we do go to the basket, we're avoiding contact," Chaney said.

The New York Times - Sports

His game is attacking and commanding the zone, not avoiding contact".

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, householders should remove the debris with a wet cloth while avoiding contact with skin.

The New York Times

Some patted him on the back, avoiding contact with the sore shoulder.

The New York Times - Sports

If you're avoiding contact, and there's a questionable call, you're not going to get the call.

The New York Times - Sports

Infection can be prevented by avoiding contact with host species and controlling rodent and insect populations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If avoiding contact is not possible, allergy shots are effective, along with medication.

The New York Times - Health

But for either variety, avoiding contact would mean avoiding the rash.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thereafter, attention to avoiding contact with nonsterilized objects is the basis of maintaining asepsis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about health or safety measures, use "avoiding contact" to clearly instruct readers on preventative actions, such as "avoiding contact" with contaminated surfaces or infected individuals.

Common error

While "avoiding contact" is widely acceptable, consider more casual alternatives like "staying away" or "keeping your distance" in informal writing to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoiding contact" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. This is evident in examples where it serves as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoiding contact" functions as a gerund phrase, commonly used to advise or inform about preventing interactions, especially in health and safety contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread use. It's frequently found in news, media, and scientific publications, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. Alternatives like "keeping your distance" or "limiting exposure" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When using "avoiding contact", clarity and precision are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limiting exposure

Highlights reducing the extent or duration of potential contact.

keeping your distance

Focuses on maintaining physical or social separation.

steering clear of

Implies caution and intentional maneuvering to prevent encounters.

evading interaction

Emphasizes elusiveness or skillful dodging of interactions.

sidestepping engagement

Emphasizes agility and a quick change of course to avoid engagement.

circumventing connection

Suggests finding a way around or avoiding direct connection.

shunning communication

Highlights a deliberate and often forceful rejection of communication.

bypassing communication

Implies skipping or ignoring opportunities for communication.

remaining isolated

Focuses on staying separate and alone, preventing contact.

eschewing involvement

Highlights a conscious and often moral decision to avoid involvement.

FAQs

How can I use "avoiding contact" in a sentence?

You can use "avoiding contact" to describe actions taken to prevent physical or social interaction, such as "Avoiding contact with others is crucial during a pandemic".

What are some alternatives to "avoiding contact"?

Alternatives include "keeping your distance", "limiting exposure", or "steering clear of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "avoiding contact" or "avoid contact"?

"Avoiding contact" is a gerund phrase that acts as a noun, while "avoid contact" is an imperative statement. The choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning.

In what situations is "avoiding contact" most appropriate?

"Avoiding contact" is often used in formal or informational contexts, such as health advisories, safety guidelines, or scientific reports, where precise language is important.