shied away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shied away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has recoiled or withdrawn from something due to fear, discomfort, or hesitation. Example: "When it came time to speak in front of the large audience, she shied away from the opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Investors have shied away.

The Economist

She shied away from statements.

The New Yorker

Foreign investors shied away.

The New York Times - Books

Mainstream publishers shied away.

The New York Times - Books

The albacore shied away.

The New York Times - Sports

"Hollywood hasn't shied away from Jolie.

Independent

The hibitors shied away from it.

The New Yorker

He shied away from petitionary prayer.

The New Yorker

Scientology has never shied away from promotions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

(The congressman ultimately shied away from running).

The New York Times

Instead, they often shied-away from these.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shied away" when describing a situation where someone hesitates or avoids something due to discomfort, fear, or a desire to not be involved. It accurately conveys a sense of reluctance without implying outright refusal.

Common error

While "shied away" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal. In professional writing, consider stronger, more direct synonyms like "avoided", "bypassed", or "refrained from" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "shied away" functions as an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. It describes the act of avoiding or hesitating to approach something due to fear, reluctance, or discomfort. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "shied away" is a common and correct way to describe avoiding something due to reluctance or discomfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across a broad range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "avoided" or "recoiled from" may be more suitable in certain situations, "shied away" provides a nuanced way to express hesitation without outright refusal. Keep in mind that in professional writing, stronger alternatives might provide more impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

backed off

Implies a retreat from a position or commitment, often due to pressure or fear; suggests a more deliberate step back.

recoiled from

Suggests a sudden, involuntary movement away from something unpleasant or frightening; more visceral than "shied away".

avoided

A general term for keeping away from something; less nuanced than "shied away" and can refer to deliberate strategies.

flinched from

Suggests a physical or emotional reaction of drawing back suddenly; implies a sensitivity to something unpleasant.

dodged

Implies actively evading something, often with a quick or skillful maneuver; suggests a more proactive attempt to avoid.

held back from

Indicates a restraint or hesitation to participate or engage; emphasizes internal control or reluctance.

stayed away from

Emphasizes maintaining distance, either physically or metaphorically, from something; highlights the separation.

evaded

Similar to 'avoided' but may suggest doing so cleverly or deceitfully.

demurred

Indicates a polite refusal or objection, often due to modesty or disagreement; more formal and less about fear.

hedged away from

Suggests a cautious or non-committal approach, avoiding direct engagement or commitment; implies strategic ambiguity.

FAQs

How can I use "shied away" in a sentence?

You can use "shied away" to describe someone avoiding a topic, responsibility, or situation due to discomfort or reluctance. For example, "He "shied away" from discussing his past mistakes."

What can I say instead of "shied away"?

You can use alternatives like "backed off", "avoided", or "recoiled from" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "shied away from" or just "shied away"?

While "shied away" can be used alone, it's more common and often clearer to use "shied away from" to indicate what is being avoided. Both are grammatically acceptable, but "shied away from" provides more context.

What's the difference between "shied away" and "withdrew from"?

"Shied away" implies a reluctance or hesitation, often due to discomfort or fear, while "withdrew from" suggests a more deliberate and formal removal of oneself from a situation or commitment.