it sidesteps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sidesteps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone avoids or evades a particular issue or topic. Example: "In his speech, he skillfully sidesteps the controversial questions that were raised by the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

In its present form (January 2013) it sidesteps Lorenzen's claims about justifying logics.

SEP

Worst of all, it sidesteps the big questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

It sidesteps any meddling by the movie companies, HBO contracts and studio lawyers.

The New York Times - Tech

It sidesteps the ethical concern by reframing it as a monetary issue.

The Guardian

It sidesteps the big disagreements between the parties over taxes and entitlement spending.

The Guardian

The first is simply that it sidesteps the possibility of another approach: aggressive use of macroprudential policy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Unlike its rival E-Trade, it sidestepped the housing crisis by avoiding risky mortgages and sticking with stock-and-bond trading.

Forbes

The I.R.A. did make a statement noting that its cease-fire was holding and its commitment to peace was firm, but it sidestepped the central issue of disarmament that has continually stalled progress in bringing stability to Ulster.

The New York Times

Though this could help it sidestep government capital, it could also dig into its future earnings.

Forbes

A gentle swat sent it sidestepping back to the sand.

The New York Times - Travel

(The myth of "Jesus' Son" is that it sidestepped this whole process.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sidesteps" when you want to emphasize that something avoids a problem or issue, often cleverly or intentionally. This is particularly effective in discussions about politics, business, or complex problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "it sidesteps" in very informal or casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "it avoids" or "it skips" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sidesteps" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something is actively avoiding a specific issue, question, or problem. Ludwig's examples show its use across various contexts where strategic avoidance is relevant. It's employed to describe policies, arguments, or actions that maneuver around potential obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it sidesteps" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes the act of avoiding an issue or problem, often strategically. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile. It finds its primary application in news and media, followed by science and formal business contexts. While "it sidesteps" carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. For simpler conversations, consider using alternatives like "it avoids" or "it skips". Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian commonly employ it, underscoring its reliability in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sidesteps the issue

More explicitly identifies what is being avoided.

it avoids

Focuses on simple avoidance without necessarily implying cleverness or intentionality.

it evades

Suggests skillful or cunning avoidance, often of something difficult or dangerous.

it bypasses

Implies going around something, often a rule or regulation, in a more direct way.

it circumvents

Indicates finding a way around an obstacle or law, often cleverly.

it skirts around

Suggests dealing with something indirectly, often to avoid confrontation.

it steers clear of

Implies a deliberate choice to avoid something, often due to potential problems.

it dances around

Emphasizes a light, almost playful avoidance of a topic or issue.

it glosses over

Implies treating something superficially to minimize its importance.

it dodges

Suggests quick and agile avoidance, as if evading a physical object.

FAQs

What does "it sidesteps" mean?

The phrase "it sidesteps" means that something avoids dealing with a problem, issue, or question, often cleverly or strategically. It suggests a way of going around something rather than confronting it directly.

How can I use "it sidesteps" in a sentence?

You can use "it sidesteps" to describe how a policy, argument, or person avoids a difficult or controversial topic. For example, "The new policy "it sidesteps the issue" of funding for education".

What are some alternatives to "it sidesteps"?

Some alternatives to "it sidesteps" include "it avoids", "it bypasses", "it evades", or "it circumvents". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it sidesteps" formal or informal?

The phrase "it sidesteps" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While appropriate for news articles, academic papers, or business reports, simpler alternatives might be better for casual conversation.