shied away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shied away from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who avoids something or someone. For example: She shied away from talking to him after their argument.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She shied away from statements.

The New Yorker

"Hollywood hasn't shied away from Jolie.

Independent

The hibitors shied away from it.

The New Yorker

He shied away from discussing the feat.

The New York Times - Sports

They shied away from owner-occupied buildings.

The New York Times

He never shied away from controversy.

The New York Times

He shied away from petitionary prayer.

The New Yorker

Scientology has never shied away from promotions.

The New York Times

Businessmen shied away from helping the protesters.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They shy away from you.

Independent

"I tend to shy away from conflict.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shied away from" to describe a deliberate act of avoidance, often due to discomfort, fear, or a desire to avoid confrontation. It is best suited when describing actions individuals or groups take to circumvent something they perceive as negative or challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "shied away from" when a more direct synonym like "avoided" would suffice, especially in formal writing. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily indirect or hesitant, diminishing the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shied away from" functions as a phrasal verb indicating avoidance or reluctance. It describes an action where someone deliberately avoids something due to discomfort or fear, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shied away from" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe deliberate avoidance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While alternatives like "avoided" or "evaded" exist, "shied away from" carries a specific nuance of discomfort or reluctance. It's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of deliberate avoidance due to apprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoided

Direct synonym indicating active evasion.

stayed away from

Simple and direct way of expressing avoidance.

dodged

Implies a quick or clever avoidance.

evaded

Suggests skillful escape or avoidance.

recoiled from

Emphasizes a sudden shrinking back in fear or disgust.

held back from

Suggests restraint or hesitation in approaching something.

sidestepped

Avoidance through subtle maneuvering.

kept their distance from

Highlights maintaining a physical or emotional separation.

hesitated to approach

Indicates reluctance or uncertainty before engaging.

declined to engage with

Formal way of saying someone refused to participate or interact.

FAQs

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

You can use "shied away from" to describe someone avoiding something due to discomfort or reluctance. For example: "The company "shied away from" discussing the negative feedback during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "shied away from"?

Alternatives include "avoided", "dodged", or "evaded", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "shy away from" something?

To "shy away from" something means to avoid it, often because you are nervous, afraid, or uncomfortable. It suggests a deliberate attempt to circumvent something unpleasant or challenging.

Is "shied away from" formal or informal?

"Shied away from" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more direct synonyms might be preferred in highly formal writing.