fend off questions

USAGE SUMMARY

"fend off questions" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to avoid or deflect questions, often in a defensive manner. Example: During the press conference, the politician tried to fend off questions about his controversial statement, instead redirecting the conversation to his plans for economic reform.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

With his appearance now, however, Chamberlain may have to fend off questions about his commitment.

The New York Times - Sports

All year Congress will fend off questions of whom it offers as a future prime minister.

The Economist

She has been trying to fend off questions about her campaign.

The New York Times

Revelations in the Panama Papers forced Downing Street to fend off questions about David Cameron's finances.

The Guardian

Gill was yesterday forced to fend off questions about why United had chosen to tour Indonesia in the first place.

Independent

An interim government has pressed ahead quickly, securing financial aid and beginning the process of amending the Constitution, while trying to fend off questions about its own legitimacy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

D'Antoni spent most of his pregame interview fending off questions on the subject.

The New York Times - Sports

He found himself fending off questions about nocturnal motorcycle escapades and a distraught, unmarried partner.

Independent

But he can't say that when fending off questions about a possible quarterback change.

The New York Times - Sports

Schiano fended off questions about whether he still had the respect and support of his players.

The New York Times - Sports

Lavrov fended off questions about Russian interference in the presidential election.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fend off questions" when you want to convey a sense of actively defending against potentially damaging or uncomfortable inquiries. It's suitable when someone is trying to protect information or avoid scrutiny.

Common error

Avoid using "fend off questions" when the situation requires a transparent and honest response. This phrase implies evasion or defensiveness, which can damage credibility if openness is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fend off questions" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action taken to avoid or deflect inquiries. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is used in various contexts, often involving individuals or organizations trying to avoid scrutiny or protect information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fend off questions" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes the act of avoiding or deflecting inquiries. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey evasion, often in a defensive or strategic context. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase maintains a neutral register and is suitable for describing situations where individuals or entities are attempting to control narratives or protect information. Alternatives such as "evade questions" or "deflect questions" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether transparency is more appropriate, as it implies a degree of evasion that could damage credibility if openness is expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evade questions

This alternative focuses on skillfully avoiding answering the questions directly.

dodge questions

This suggests a quick and agile movement to avoid answering the questions.

deflect questions

This implies redirecting the focus away from the questions.

parry questions

This alternative means to ward off questions, similar to blocking a strike in fencing.

sidestep questions

This suggests moving to the side to avoid direct engagement with the questions.

skirt around questions

This implies avoiding the central point of the questions.

field questions

This suggests dealing with the questions, but in a controlled or strategic way, to limit possible negative impact of such exposure.

handle questions

This implies managing the questions but perhaps not directly answering them.

stall questions

This suggests delaying answering the questions.

brush aside questions

This implies dismissing the questions as unimportant.

FAQs

How can I use "fend off questions" in a sentence?

You can use "fend off questions" to describe someone avoiding difficult inquiries, such as: "The politician had to fend off questions about the scandal during the press conference."

What's a good alternative to "fend off questions"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "evade questions", "dodge questions", or "deflect questions".

Is it better to "fend off questions" or answer them directly?

It depends on the situation. "Fending off questions" implies avoidance, which may be necessary in sensitive situations. However, transparency is often valued, so direct answers are preferable when appropriate.

What does it mean to "fend off questions"?

To "fend off questions" means to avoid answering them directly, often by using evasive tactics or changing the subject. It suggests a defensive posture.