shy away from

USAGE SUMMARY

"shy away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means to avoid or to turn away from something out of shyness or hesitation. Example: When I realized that the class was discussing a difficult concept, I shyly away from adding my two cents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They shy away from you.

Independent

"I tend to shy away from conflict.

Independent

We shy away from discourse on death.

The New York Times

Yet they shy away from it.

The New Yorker

Or shy away from the lens?

The New York Times

Lisbon doesn't shy away from color.

The New York Times - Travel

I don't shy away from them.

The New York Times

"People shy away from it," Michelson said.

The New Yorker

We must not shy away from shame.

The New York Times

Satin certainly doesn't shy away from it.

The New Yorker

Don't shy away from making tough calls.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shy away from", ensure the subject is a person or entity capable of experiencing hesitation or reluctance, as it implies a psychological or emotional response.

Common error

Avoid using "shy away from" to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts that cannot experience shyness or reluctance. Instead of saying "The data shies away from proving the hypothesis", opt for "The data does not support the hypothesis."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "shy away from" functions as a predicate, indicating an action of avoidance or reluctance towards something. Ludwig examples show it describing individuals avoiding conflict or topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shy away from" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe a hesitant or reluctant avoidance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's important to avoid using it with inanimate objects, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of shyness or unwillingness to engage. Consider alternatives like "avoid" or "evade" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid

This alternative uses a single word to convey the meaning of avoiding something, simplifying the phrase.

evade

This alternative suggests a more deliberate attempt to escape or avoid something.

recoil from

Implies a sudden movement away from something due to fear or disgust.

shrink from

Suggests a more timid or hesitant avoidance.

hesitate to

Indicates a pause or reluctance before doing something.

be reluctant to

Expresses unwillingness or disinclination.

dread

This implies a strong fear or apprehension of something.

keep your distance from

This phrase suggests maintaining a physical or emotional separation.

steer clear of

This alternative means to avoid someone or something that seems unpleasant, dangerous, or likely to cause problems.

give a wide berth to

Suggests avoiding something by moving around it, often due to potential danger or unpleasantness.

FAQs

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

You can use "shy away from" to describe someone avoiding something due to shyness or reluctance. For example: "He tends to "shy away from" conflict" or "Many people "shy away from" difficult conversations".

What does "shy away from" mean?

"Shy away from" means to avoid something, often because of a lack of confidence or discomfort. It implies a hesitant or reluctant approach.

What can I say instead of "shy away from"?

You can use alternatives like "avoid", "evade", or "recoil from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "shy away from"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage.