shrink from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrink from" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to draw back or recoil from something (usually because of fear). For example, "He shrank from the dark alley as he walked past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You shrink from it".

The Guardian

Ford did not shrink from the attention.

The New Yorker

Italian conservatives shrink from free-market liberalism.

The Economist

She doesn't shrink from the comparison.

The New Yorker

"I don't shrink from it".

The New York Times

"We will not shrink from this responsibility".

The Guardian - Tech

And she doesn't shrink from saying so.

The New York Times

Most shrink from taking a lead.

The Guardian - Opinion

They should not shrink from that duty.

The New York Times

Gaylin doesn't shrink from addressing mass violence.

The New York Times - Books

America cannot shrink from our responsibility to lead.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrink from" to convey a sense of reluctance or aversion to facing something challenging or unpleasant. This phrase often implies a moral or emotional hesitation.

Common error

Avoid using "shrink from" to describe physical shrinking. This phrase is typically reserved for metaphorical shrinking, such as shrinking from responsibility or a difficult task. For physical reductions in size, use "shrink" alone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrink from" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating an action of drawing back or recoiling, typically due to fear, reluctance, or distaste. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrink from" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that expresses reluctance or aversion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While alternatives like "shy away from" or "recoil from" exist, "shrink from" often conveys a sense of moral or emotional hesitation. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with metaphorical shrinking rather than literal physical reduction. This comprehensive analysis should equip writers with a deeper understanding of when and how to use "shrink from" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shy away from

This alternative suggests a more timid or hesitant avoidance.

recoil from

This suggests a sudden, involuntary movement away from something unpleasant or frightening.

draw back from

Implies a physical or emotional withdrawal from a situation or idea.

flinch from

Suggests a quick, involuntary reaction to avoid something painful or unpleasant.

avoid

A general term for keeping away from something.

evade

Suggests skillfully escaping or avoiding something.

dodge

Implies quickly moving aside to avoid a blow or impact.

abstain from

Suggests deliberately refraining from doing something.

hold back from

Indicates restraining oneself from taking action.

hesitate to

Expresses a delay in action due to uncertainty or reluctance.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrink from" to describe avoiding something due to fear, reluctance, or distaste. For example, "She did not "shrink from" the challenge, despite its difficulty."

What's a good alternative to "shrink from"?

Alternatives include "shy away from", "recoil from", or "draw back from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "shrink away from" instead of "shrink from"?

While "shrink away" and "shrink from" both imply avoidance, "shrink from" is more commonly used to indicate avoiding a responsibility or challenge, while "shrink away" suggests a more physical reaction.

What is the difference between "shrink from" and "avoid"?

"Avoid" is a general term for keeping away from something. "Shrink from" implies a more active reluctance or distaste, suggesting one might otherwise be expected to confront the situation, but chooses not to. Therefore using "shrink from" shows a stronger feeling than using "avoid".