sidestep the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"sidestep the issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to avoid talking about a certain issue or topic. For example: "Rather than discussing the problem, the politicians seemed to sidestep the issue altogether."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The academy is doing its best to sidestep the issue.

The New York Times

He also criticized the Detectives' Endowment Association, which he claimed tried to sidestep the issue.

The New York Times

But if the candidates want to sidestep the issue, history suggests this may not be possible.

The New York Times

Of Ms. Benenson's response, he said she was trying to sidestep the issue.

The New York Times

"You can't try to sidestep the issue," said Representative Sander M. Levin of Michigan, an influential Democrat.

The New York Times

Rather than facing problems, most Mississippians who want to change things give up trying, or learn to sidestep the issue.

The New Yorker

As a result, officials and diplomats have said, the NATO allies are expected to sidestep the issue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

She also knows that one way to sidestep the issues of authenticity and originality is to teach an old dog some new tricks.

The Guardian - Music

While he did not sidestep the issues that pose the biggest threat to the Games, Rogge ended his speech on an upbeat note.

The New York Times - Sports

But the Femsa deal sidesteps the issue.

The New York Times

Mr. Jackson swiftly sidestepped the issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sidestep the issue", consider the context and whether a more direct approach might be necessary for clarity and transparency. Sometimes, addressing the issue head-on is more effective.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "sidestep the issue" as a long-term strategy. While it can be useful in specific situations, overusing it can lead to a perception of dishonesty or lack of accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sidestep the issue" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of avoiding or evading a particular topic or problem. As Ludwig AI explains, it's usable in written English and commonly employed in contexts where direct engagement is not desired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sidestep the issue" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that describes the act of avoiding a direct confrontation with a problem or question. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it can be strategically useful, it's important to consider the potential negative implications of evasion. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. Alternatives include phrases like "avoid the problem" or "evade the question", depending on the specific context. Overusing this strategy could lead to distrust, but transparency is not always the best approach for any situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid the problem

Focuses on evasion, similar to sidestepping, but emphasizes the avoidance of a problem rather than an issue.

evade the question

Specifically relates to avoiding a direct response to a question, a common tactic in sidestepping.

dodge the topic

Implies a quick, evasive maneuver to avoid discussing a topic, similar to sidestepping.

skirt around the problem

Suggests a roundabout approach, avoiding direct engagement with the core issue.

gloss over the matter

Implies a superficial treatment to minimize the importance or impact of the issue.

circumvent the difficulty

Focuses on finding a way around a difficult situation, avoiding direct confrontation.

disregard the concern

Signifies a deliberate ignoring of a worry or matter, showing indifference.

bypass the subject

Directly conveys the act of going around a subject, without addressing it head-on.

ignore the elephant in the room

Emphasizes a blatant avoidance of an obvious but uncomfortable issue.

brush aside the subject

Suggests a dismissive attitude, pushing the topic away without proper consideration.

FAQs

What does it mean to "sidestep the issue"?

To "sidestep the issue" means to avoid directly addressing a problem, question, or topic, often by using evasive tactics or changing the subject.

How can I use "sidestep the issue" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician tried to "sidestep the issue" during the debate by talking about unrelated topics."

What are some alternatives to "sidestep the issue"?

Alternatives include "avoid the problem", "evade the question", or "dodge the topic", depending on the specific context.

Is it always wrong to "sidestep the issue"?

Not necessarily. While transparency is often valued, sometimes it may be strategic or necessary to "sidestep the issue" temporarily, especially in sensitive situations. However, frequent evasion can erode trust.