circumventing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "circumventing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is finding a way to work around an obstacle, problem, or limitation. For example: "The company found a way to circumvent the new regulations by creating a subsidiary overseas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Greenpeace UK warned Japan against ignoring or circumventing the decision: "We welcome this verdict which will hopefully mark the end of whaling in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.

The Guardian

"Many senior officers at HMRC have been telling me for a long time that they don't get the political support they need, that deals are being struck at the highest level, circumventing them, so they'll be in negotiations and they'll get a message from on high saying the deal's been struck.

The Guardian - Business

In 2012 the bank was condemned by a Senate committee for circumventing safeguards "designed to block transactions involving terrorists, drug lords, and rogue regimes".

The Guardian - Opinion

In circumventing traditional channels of communication, it seems that we are only at the very beginning of a much broader shift in terms of how far right groups are rallying support.

The Guardian - Opinion

BNP Paribas, the largest bank in France, was handed a $9 billion penalty for circumventing American sanctions.Elections to the European Parliament were anything but dull for once, producing a political earthquake when populist parties in France, Britain and other countries made sweeping gains.

The Economist

But the VAT starts fresh with a new base.In a recent post at the New York Times Economixx blog, Mr Bartlett discusses at greater length the appeal of circumventing a pointless political foofaraw over each and every nickel-and-dime tax expenditure by instead exempting those who earn less than $100,000 from all income tax, in exchange for a VAT Prof.

The Economist

Israel's position as a hotbed of hi-tech start-ups is due in part to decades of circumventing Arab boycotts.

The Economist

After a decade in which "eastern Europe" seemed to have little in common but anti-communism, the energy plans and the anti-missile shield suggest that a new regional co-operation might be stirring.If so, that is partly in response to a pipeline that Russia and Germany are planning to lay on the Baltic seabed to pump gas directly from one to the other, circumventing the pesky countries in between.

The Economist

He tells us no subject is off-limits, but it becomes clear that he is very adept at circumventing awkward questions.When the subject of the Kurdistan Workers Partyy (PKK) comes up, some of his frustrations begin to show.

The Economist

Its system of centralised collective bargaining and its complicated minimum-wage structure put a heavy cost on small companies, many of which end up circumventing the rules.

The Economist

In the UAE the governments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah announced caps on annual rent rises of 5% (the caps were 7% in 2007 and 15% in 2006), although anecdotal evidence suggests that landlords are more than capable of circumventing these constraints.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "circumventing" is particularly effective when highlighting innovative or strategic approaches to overcoming obstacles, especially in formal or business contexts. Think about the implications that using this verb will bring to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "circumventing" when simply describing a direct or straightforward solution. This term implies a degree of ingenuity or indirectness, so make sure that the alternative you are implementing is indeed indirect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circumventing" functions primarily as a verb in its present participle form, often used to describe an ongoing action of finding a way around an obstacle or rule. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies strategic avoidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "circumventing" is a versatile verb form indicating the act of finding a way around something, typically a rule or obstacle. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is appropriate and grammatically sound to use. Its usage is common across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and science, although less so in informal settings. Key to using "circumventing" effectively is understanding that it implies a level of ingenuity or strategic planning, distinguishing it from simpler terms like "avoiding". By considering best practices and common errors, writers can confidently incorporate "circumventing" into their vocabulary to express nuanced meanings and ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bypassing

Focuses on going around something directly, often without permission.

evading

Emphasizes skillfully escaping or avoiding something, often with a sense of cleverness.

dodging

Suggests a quick and nimble movement to avoid something, often implying something unpleasant.

avoiding

A general term for keeping away from something.

skirting

Implies going around the edge of something, often to avoid direct engagement.

getting around

An informal way to express finding a way to overcome an obstacle.

finding a workaround

Focuses on finding a practical solution to bypass a problem or limitation.

outflanking

Suggests a strategic maneuver to gain an advantage by going around an opponent.

circumscribing

Involves defining or limiting something, often to control or restrict its scope.

neutralizing

Implies rendering something ineffective or harmless.

FAQs

How can I use "circumventing" in a sentence?

You can use "circumventing" to describe finding a way around obstacles or rules. For instance: "The company is "circumventing" regulations by operating overseas."

What are some alternatives to "circumventing"?

Alternatives include "bypassing", "evading", or "avoiding", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "circumventing" a formal or informal term?

"Circumventing" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. More informal alternatives exist for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "circumventing" and "avoiding"?

"Avoiding" is a general term for keeping away from something. "Circumventing", on the other hand, implies finding a way around something, often with a degree of ingenuity or indirectness. You can "avoid" a problem head-on, but to "circumvent" it suggests using a clever strategy.