bypass this question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bypass this question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you prefer not to answer a specific question or to move on to another topic. Example: "If you feel uncomfortable discussing that topic, feel free to bypass this question and we can talk about something else."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But we can bypass this question altogether if we are constructing a new system from the bottom up; in that case we shall make no further use of the sign A – we shall only use B. We have introduced the sign B to take the place of the complex expression in question by arbitrary fiat and in this way we have conferred a sense on it.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One told the Observer that it was not just the shadow cabinet which had been bypassed: "The question this raises above all is: where is the role of members in this?" Where was the democracy idealistic young pro-European activists had been promised by Corbyn?

The Guardian

He said this had allowed governments to bypass the question of integration, a process that would include giving Roma permanent residences and access to schools.

The New York Times

Battle: Yes I mean certainly when I think of that question, I think about the notion of black history month because I'm asked about this all the time and sometimes I just bypass the question.

University of California, Berkeley

Whenever secular intellectuals in Muslim countries try to bypass the question of Sharia, Naim said, "they leave the high moral ground to the fundamentalists, and they lose".

The New Yorker

Like Pietro Pomponazzi (1462 1525), who with his De incantationibus had sought to naturalize all miracles, Porta seeks to bypass the question of "proper" miracles produced by divine intercession.

SEP

This sort of bypassing the question would be very tempting indeed if it were true that we have come to live in a world which only the scientists "understand".

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addressing this question, the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation type 2 Diabetes trial found that patients treated with an insulin-sensitizing regimen (thiazolidinediones or metformin) had a 15% lower concentration of PAI-1 than those treated with an insulin-stimulating regimen (sulfonylurea or meglitinide).

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

The debate about the future of the NHS routinely bypasses the question of health.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Jansons bypassed that question by conducting the movement with tireless vigor and bright sonorities to convey the Promethean high spirits of this deceptively humorous music.

The New York Times - Arts

Giving priority in social housing to those who contribute to the community seems a risky path, bypassing the question of need.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bypass this question" when you want to politely indicate that you'd prefer not to answer or address a particular question, often in a situation where a direct refusal might seem rude.

Common error

Avoid using "bypass this question" in contexts where a more direct or assertive response is required. "Bypass" implies a gentle sidestepping, not a confrontation or forceful rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bypass this question" functions as a polite way to indicate a desire to avoid answering a specific query. This can be seen in Ludwig, where it is used to navigate sensitive topics or steer conversations away from unwanted subjects.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bypass this question" is a grammatically sound and polite way to indicate a preference to avoid answering a specific query. Ludwig indicates this phrase is most commonly used to redirect conversations and evade direct confrontation. While Ludwig marks its frequency as rare, it finds applicability across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. Related phrases include "skip this question" and "avoid this question". When using this phrase, consider whether a direct answer is required or if a gentle sidestep is more appropriate. Be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and avoid any misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skip this question

Uses "skip" instead of "bypass", implying a direct omission of the question.

avoid this question

Replaces "bypass" with "avoid", suggesting a deliberate attempt to evade the question.

decline to answer this question

More formal and direct, explicitly stating a refusal to answer.

pass over this question

Implies moving on without addressing the question.

set aside this question

Suggests postponing the question for later or ignoring it temporarily.

move past this question

Emphasizes the act of continuing without addressing the question.

disregard this question

Suggests ignoring the question as if it were irrelevant.

evade this question

Highlights an attempt to skillfully avoid answering.

sidestep this question

Suggests a maneuver to avoid directly confronting the question.

ignore this question

Directly states the action of paying no attention to the question.

FAQs

What does "bypass this question" mean?

It means to avoid answering a particular question, often in a polite or indirect way. It suggests moving on to another topic without addressing the question directly.

How can I use "bypass this question" in a sentence?

You might say, "If you're not comfortable sharing personal details, feel free to "skip this question" and we can move on."

What are some alternatives to "bypass this question"?

You can use alternatives like "avoid this question", "decline to answer this question", or "pass over this question", depending on the context and the level of formality you desire.

Is it impolite to "bypass this question"?

It depends on the situation. If the question is sensitive or personal, it's generally acceptable to "bypass this question". However, in a professional setting, it might be necessary to explain why you're not answering.