The phrase "avoiding controversial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of steering clear of topics or issues that may provoke disagreement or strong reactions.
Example: "In order to maintain a peaceful discussion, we should focus on avoiding controversial subjects."
Alternatives: "steering clear of contentious" or "evading divisive".
The New York Times reported the study showed that writers "have avoided, or have considered avoiding, controversial topics in their work or in personal communications as a result".
No stranger to avoiding press conferences, but not to avoiding controversial decisions on Champions League nights, such as the defeat to Bayern Munich in 2010, the United manager sent his assistant, Mike Phelan, to face all questions after the game.
In this instance, the companies that have withdrawn their ads "are more or less articulating their longstanding policies of avoiding controversial content," said Jeff Haley, the president and chief executive of the Radio Advertising Bureau.
But in terms of actual policy proposals, Mr. Green also carefully sought to take the middle of the road during a 90-minute interview with reporters and editors of The New York Times yesterday, avoiding controversial initiatives and declining to commit to specific positions on a few occasions.
"He did not want to sign it, and he did not want to incur the wrath of the right-to-lifers that he claims to be in agreement with," Mr. Marshall said, adding that the governor was avoiding controversial legislation because he wanted to be considered as a possible vice presidential candidate.
Hancock took a hands-off approach to governing, avoiding controversial issues as much as possible.
Candidates try to avoid controversial positions.
There will be some agreements, worded to avoid controversial details.
This created a chilling effect, with stations often choosing to avoid controversial material.
The Swedish committee is believed to avoid controversial people and issues.
Mir said his bosses tell him to avoid controversial stories because it will "make trouble for colleagues".
