eschew

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'eschew' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb which means to deliberately avoid doing or using something, usually because it is thought to be wrong or not desirable. For example: My parents always encouraged me to eschew unhealthy habits and live a healthy lifestyle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New technology has enabled a host of cutting-edge distribution methods to flourish and the argument goes that before long we will all eschew the local multiplex or arthouse in favour of curling up on the sofa with an iPad or congregating in front of a TV to stream new releases.

The Guardian - Film

Inglourious Basterds ultimately proved less than controversial because Tarantino was intelligent enough to eschew shots of Holocaust victims in favour of scenes featuring tough Jewish blokes making mincemeat of a cavalcade of cartoonish Nazi scumbags.

The Guardian - Film

While recapturing the House of Representatives remains a distant dream, the vulnerability of Senate Democrats standing in Republican-leaning states this November means there is plenty of pressure on Obama to tone down his rhetoric: he will likely eschew anything that smacks of class warfare in favour of emphasising greater opportunity.

The Guardian

Far from being a "dead language", Welsh fluency is increasing very quickly in Newport and beyond, thanks to the Welsh assembly (or Senedd, if we're going to eschew English) making Welsh compulsory up to GCSE level.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, as Ryder says, if you eschew condoms, you may end up risking your life.

The Guardian

He went on to eschew his privileged background to devote his life to Labour politics and fighting for the underdog.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And Botham in that critical phase had two handicaps: the last man Willis had joined him, so to protect him from the bowling, Botham had to eschew a number of runs he would otherwise have taken.

The Guardian - Sport

The causes, said Martineau, were attributable to the lack of protection for traditional farming methods within Mexican law – as enjoyed abroad by other protected products such as champagne or cognac – as well as the decision by an increasing number of young Mexicans to eschew a life working on the land.

The Guardian

Dermot Murnaghan will eschew a black tie in the lead role for Sky News; producers decided he should be "soberly dressed" but a black tie was unwarranted because the ceremony is not a state funeral.

The Guardian

Bild, Germany's best selling daily tabloid, regularly reviews opera and theatre, and the "serious" newspapers such as the Süddeutsche Zeitung have extensive cultural pages called the Feuilleton which eschew pop culture and gossip in favour of dissecting often very challenging art.

The Guardian

That would make it a boon to California's organic farmers, who eschew the potent, weed-killing fertiliser.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eschew" when you want to indicate a deliberate and conscious avoidance of something, especially when that avoidance is based on moral, ethical, or aesthetic grounds. For example, "Many health enthusiasts "eschew" processed foods."

Common error

While "eschew" is a versatile word, it often carries a more formal tone than simpler alternatives like "avoid" or "skip". Be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing; in casual contexts, a more straightforward synonym might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The verb "eschew" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It indicates a deliberate act of avoidance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For example, "They "eschew" violence."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "eschew" is a verb meaning to deliberately avoid something, particularly for moral or aesthetic reasons. It is grammatically correct and very common, as Ludwig confirms, especially in formal writing and news contexts. While versatile, "eschew" should be used thoughtfully, considering its formal register. Alternatives such as "avoid" or "refrain from" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember to use it when you wish to express a strong, intentional avoidance of something you find undesirable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid

A general term for keeping away from something, without necessarily implying a moral judgment.

shun

Implies a deliberate and often social avoidance, sometimes due to disapproval.

refrain from

Similar to 'abstain from' but can also apply to avoiding actions or behaviors.

abstain from

Focuses on refraining from something, often with a moral or ethical connotation.

keep away from

Similar to 'avoid' but can also emphasize physical distance.

steer clear of

Suggests navigating away from something potentially problematic or dangerous.

evade

Indicates skillfully avoiding something, often with a sense of difficulty or challenge.

ward off

Suggests actively preventing something from happening or affecting you.

bypass

Means to go around or avoid an obstacle or regulation.

forgo

Implies giving up something desirable, often for a particular reason.

FAQs

How to use "eschew" in a sentence?

"Eschew" is a verb that means to deliberately avoid using or doing something. For example, "The company decided to "eschew traditional marketing" methods in favor of social media campaigns."

What can I say instead of "eschew"?

You can use alternatives like "avoid", "shun", or "abstain from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "eschew" a formal word?

Yes, "eschew" is generally considered a more formal word compared to its synonyms. It suggests a conscious and deliberate avoidance, often for moral or aesthetic reasons. Simpler words might be more appropriate in informal contexts.

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

"Avoid" is a general term for keeping away from something. "Eschew" implies a stronger, more deliberate avoidance, often driven by ethical or moral considerations. Thus, eschewing something involves a conscious decision to avoid it.