shirk from

USAGE SUMMARY

"shirk from" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means avoiding or neglecting a responsibility or duty. It can also imply fear or reluctance to do something. Example: The politician was accused of shirking from his duties as he refused to answer questions from the press. In this example, the phrase "shirking from" is used to describe the politician's avoidance of his responsibilities to address the media's questions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And we don't shirk from that.

The New York Times

Ms Kosor vows not to shirk from public-spending cuts.

The Economist

"But this is a battle people will not shirk from.

The New York Times

"That is a point we cannot shirk from; we have to grapple with it".

The New York Times

She doesn't shirk from the most gut-wrenching of decisions either.

Independent

At a fraction of that budget "The Little One" doesn't shirk from blood.

The New York Times

And as long as I am mayor, we will not shirk from it".

The New York Times

For Africa can no longer afford to shirk from the challenges of globalisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Pataki did not shirk from noting the depth of the state's fiscal problems.

The New York Times

She did not shirk from the full-voice high C's and above.

The New York Times - Arts

Director Edward Zwick does not shirk from showing the demons that plagued Fischer.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shirk from" when you want to emphasize the avoidance of a duty or responsibility, particularly when the duty is seen as difficult or unpleasant.

Common error

Avoid using "shirk from" in situations where someone is simply unable to fulfill a responsibility due to circumstances beyond their control. "Shirk from" implies a deliberate choice to avoid the duty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shirk from" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of avoiding or neglecting a responsibility or duty. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. Examples show its use in various contexts, typically to denote a deliberate evasion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shirk from" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of avoiding a responsibility or duty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and sees frequent use. While the phrase is appropriate in a variety of contexts, it is most commonly found in news and media. When considering related phrases, remember that alternatives such as "evade responsibility" or "dodge duties" carry slightly different connotations. Remember that using "shirk from" implies a deliberate and often criticized avoidance of a responsibility, rather than a simple inability to fulfill it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evade responsibility

Focuses on actively avoiding responsibility, implying a deliberate attempt to escape accountability.

dodge duties

Emphasizes the act of skillfully avoiding specific tasks or responsibilities.

neglect obligations

Highlights the failure to properly care for or attend to one's responsibilities.

shun commitment

Implies a deliberate avoidance of long-term dedication or involvement.

sidestep accountability

Suggests a maneuver to avoid being held responsible for one's actions or decisions.

skirt responsibilities

Conveys the idea of avoiding direct engagement with duties, often by finding a way around them.

decline to undertake

A more formal way of expressing refusal to take on a task or duty.

pass up the chance

Indicates a missed opportunity due to unwillingness to take on a task.

bail out of

Suggests abandoning a responsibility or commitment, often at a critical moment.

cop out

An informal way of saying someone avoids a responsibility, often implying cowardice.

FAQs

How can I use "shirk from" in a sentence?

You can use "shirk from" to describe the act of avoiding a responsibility or duty. For example, "The company cannot "shirk from" its environmental obligations."

What are some alternatives to "shirk from"?

Alternatives include phrases like "evade responsibility", "dodge duties", or "neglect obligations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "shirk from responsibility"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "shirk from" is followed by the specific duty or responsibility being avoided. It is more formal to avoid using a preposition at the end of the sentence and therefore better say "shirk responsibility".

What's the difference between "shirk from" and "avoid"?

"Avoid" is a more general term for preventing something from happening or keeping away from something. "Shirk from" specifically implies neglecting or evading a responsibility or duty, often due to unwillingness or fear.