avoiding direct contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoiding direct contact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one wants to express the intention of not physically interacting with someone or something. Example: "To prevent the spread of illness, we recommend avoiding direct contact with others during flu season."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

One TSA document on "behavioral cues" singles out a "trancelike state; inappropriate clothing; avoiding direct contact with others".

The Guardian

The problem is that avoiding direct contact between the police and demonstrators may lead to "a more aggressive form of confrontation," Professor Waddington said.

The New York Times

In social intercourse with the adherents of other religions, he should be passively intolerant, avoiding direct contact, without injuring them or prejudicing their rights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A metal oxide is used to transport oxygen from air to the fuel, thus avoiding direct contact between fuel and air.

Applied Energy

Aluminization at 1100 °C for 5 h used out-of-the pack procedures avoiding direct contact between samples and the pack mixture.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Around 10 15 p.m. Thursday, the two executives then walked through an underground tunnel to an adjacent building to make the announcement, avoiding direct contact with about 100 reporters who had camped out in Mannesmann's lobby.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Committee of the National Institute of Health with the recommendation of avoiding direct contacts with the families of the study subjects.

Plosone

However, using optical manipulation techniques, it is possible to measure single suspended cells avoiding direct contacts, simply by taking advantage of a difference in refractive indices between the surrounding medium and the cell [ 259].

Advances in Physics

Israel and Hamas will want to avoid direct contact with each other.

The Guardian

Many of those in charge of giving money on behalf of foundations avoided direct contact with applicants like myself.

The New York Times

This design avoids direct contact of the biocomponents with the electrode, which lowers the risk of electrode fouling.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health protocols or infection control, emphasize "avoiding direct contact" with specific vectors, such as "avoiding direct contact" with contaminated surfaces or infected individuals.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "avoiding direct contact" without specifying the context. Instead, clarify what type of contact should be avoided to provide practical guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoiding direct contact" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the act of preventing physical interaction. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, from preventing disease to technical processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoiding direct contact" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase that functions as a noun, describing the action of preventing physical interaction. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and wide applicability. While "avoiding direct contact" sees common usage in scientific, news, and formal contexts, ensure to specify the subject or object to make the sentence more clear and avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases include "bypassing physical interaction" and "maintaining distance". Be specific in your writing to provide useful and practical guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bypassing physical interaction

Focuses specifically on the physical aspect of contact, emphasizing the act of going around or circumventing it.

circumventing face-to-face encounters

Highlights the strategy of evading personal meetings.

steering clear of personal communication

Emphasizes avoiding personal modes of communication.

eschewing physical proximity

Uses a more formal tone to indicate abstaining from being physically close.

shunning tactile exchange

Focuses on avoiding any form of touching or physical exchange.

evading physical touch

Directly addresses the action of sidestepping physical touch.

maintaining distance

Broader term indicating the act of keeping oneself separate.

keeping interaction minimal

Shifts focus to reducing the level of interaction rather than complete avoidance of contact.

limiting personal engagement

Emphasizes reducing the amount of direct personal involvement.

forgoing in-person exchanges

Specifically addresses the act of giving up face-to-face interactions.

FAQs

What's a synonym for "avoiding direct contact"?

Synonyms include "bypassing physical interaction", "circumventing face-to-face encounters", or "maintaining distance".

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "avoiding direct contact" is a gerund phrase often used as a noun, while "avoid direct contact" is an imperative used to give instructions.

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

You can use it in sentences like: "The best way to prevent the spread of germs is by "avoiding direct contact" with sick people" or "The experiment was designed for "avoiding direct contact" between the two chemicals."

What does "avoiding direct contact" mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, "avoiding direct contact" typically refers to taking precautions to prevent the transmission of pathogens by not touching infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or bodily fluids.