circumvent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "circumvent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of finding a way around an obstacle or avoiding a rule or restriction. Example: "To save time, we decided to circumvent the lengthy approval process by seeking direct permission from the manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It concerned the "trawling and scooping" by the NSA of global electronic communication and the use of foreign intelligence agencies such as Britain's GCHQ and the obtaining of data from companies such as Google, Microsoft, FaceBook and Apple to apparently circumvent national laws on personal privacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

I see no problem in exchanging data between British and American security – except where, as in the NSA's Prism program, it is a device to circumvent legal constraint.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of those who supported the insertion of the budget responsibility lock utterly dismiss the idea there was any kind of conspiracy to circumvent the party's manifesto approval process, saying it was just the kind of thing that happened in the course of a campaign.

The Guardian

The current frontier of happiness measurement, as practised by neuroeconomists and neuromarketers, is to circumvent how people report they feel, in search of how they 'really' feel.

The Guardian

The European boycott of medical drugs going to US prisons is now biting deeply, and in an attempt to circumvent it many states have attempted to find new and ever more unconventional supply routes.

The Guardian

Oddly, it is not calling for an end to hunting with birds of prey, which some hunts use to circumvent the ban.

The Guardian

It may be tempting to circumvent the prescription pad, but this will generally mean using overseas-based pharmacies with less regulation on the quality of ingredients.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not only do these journalists challenge traditional methods of news delivery but in so doing manage to circumvent potential government censorship or pressure.

The Guardian

The White House accused them of seeking to circumvent the constitution and trigger a "rush to war".

The Guardian

Referring to Kelly's efforts to circumvent cabinet, Keneally said: "If it was a dastardly plan, it was a silly one".

The Guardian

Asked for his perspective on the row, Cruddas said: "I am not going to comment on whether or not there was an attempt to circumvent the democratic architecture of the party or suggest there was a late move to sabotage the manifesto.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circumvent" when you want to convey the idea of cleverly or strategically avoiding a rule, law, or obstacle. It suggests a deliberate effort to find a way around something, not merely accidental avoidance.

Common error

While "circumvent" is suitable for formal and professional contexts, avoid using it in overly casual situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "get around" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "circumvent" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of finding a way around or avoiding something, especially a rule or law. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "circumvent" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb, particularly in news, business, and technical contexts. It conveys the concept of strategically avoiding rules, laws, or obstacles. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and provides numerous real-world examples. When aiming for clarity, consider simpler alternatives like "avoid" in casual settings. Understanding the subtle nuances of "circumvent" allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bypass

Directly means to go around or avoid something, similar to finding a way around an obstacle.

evade

Implies skillfully avoiding something, often with a sense of deception or cleverness.

sidestep

Suggests moving to the side to avoid a direct confrontation or obstacle.

dodge

Emphasizes quickly moving out of the way to avoid something.

skirt

Means to go around the edge of something, avoiding the center or main part.

get around

A more general phrase for finding a way to overcome a problem or obstacle.

avoid

A broad term for keeping away from something or preventing something from happening.

outwit

Implies using intelligence to overcome or avoid someone or something.

maneuver around

Suggests using skillful tactics to avoid or overcome a difficult situation.

find a loophole

Specifically refers to exploiting a gap or ambiguity in a rule or law to avoid its intended effect.

FAQs

How to use "circumvent" in a sentence?

You can use "circumvent" to describe finding a way around a rule, obstacle, or law, such as "They used a loophole to "circumvent the law"".

What can I say instead of "circumvent"?

You can use alternatives like "bypass", "evade", or "sidestep" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "circumvent the rule" or "circumvent to the rule"?

"Circumvent the rule" is correct. "Circumvent" is a transitive verb and does not require the preposition "to".

What's the difference between "circumvent" and "avoid"?

"Circumvent" implies a more strategic and clever way of avoiding something, often a rule or law. "Avoid" is a more general term for keeping away from something.