sidestepping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sidestepping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of avoiding or evading a topic, issue, or responsibility. Example: "During the meeting, he was sidestepping the difficult questions about the project's budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or she's just sidestepping me, I don't know, haha".

The Guardian - Music

Sidestepping the questions, he attacked Labour for leaving a regulatory framework that makes it hard for the government to block the deal.

The Guardian

Warren and others say ISDS can let multinational corporations seek huge payments from countries while sidestepping traditional courts.

The Guardian

With four minutes gone, Schürrle carried the ball forward and played a perfectly weighted pass to Samuel Eto'o, who stepped inside Oxlade-Chamberlain like a man very politely sidestepping a stray toddler and curled the ball into the corner.

The Guardian - Sport

These involve cities partnering with non-profit organisations to keep prices low by taking advantage of the economies of scale and sidestepping many of the legal and corporate hurdles that accompany PPPs.

The Guardian

When I hear him on the Today programme in the morning, sidestepping the issue of bonuses, I just want to shout at the radio".

The Guardian

Sidestepping the question about the huge gaps in oil tax forecasts, Swinney said Osborne's North Sea oil measures were overdue.

The Guardian

He was the one "walking about a quarter mile ahead, instinctively passing on the left and otherwise artfully sidestepping the aimless people who don't have a plan for getting to the gate".

The Economist

Disease of the week"I mean [Romney's] changing up so much backtracking and sidestepping.

The Economist

A spokesman for the court said the charges were laid in absentia to expedite the process, sidestepping the need to apply for arrest warrants.

The Economist

Despite all the talk of devising a way of sidestepping Britain, which had threatened to veto the budget, Mrs Merkel was keen not to isolate Mr Cameron, thereby avoiding a bust-up that could spin out of control.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sidestepping" when you want to convey the idea of avoiding a direct confrontation or addressing an issue head-on. It's suitable for describing strategic avoidance, especially in discussions of politics, business, or personal interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "sidestepping" when a direct approach is more appropriate or necessary. Overusing this term can imply a lack of transparency or a failure to address critical issues, leading to a perception of evasiveness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sidestepping" is as a verb in its present participle form, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund. Ludwig's examples show it describing actions of avoidance in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sidestepping" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb that effectively conveys the act of avoiding a direct approach to an issue or question. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, with a predominant presence in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While alternatives like "evading" and "dodging" exist, "sidestepping" is particularly useful when highlighting strategic or skillful avoidance. Remember to use it judiciously, as overuse may imply evasiveness. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "sidestepping" to add depth and precision to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evading

Similar to "sidestepping", but often implies a more deliberate attempt to escape or avoid something, potentially with negative connotations.

dodging

Suggests a quick and nimble avoidance, often of something unpleasant or dangerous.

avoiding

A general term for keeping away from something; less active than "sidestepping".

circumventing

Implies finding a way around an obstacle or rule, often in a clever or strategic manner.

bypassing

Suggests going around something, often to save time or effort.

skirting

Implies avoiding the main point or issue, often by talking about related but less important topics.

evading the issue

More directly focused on avoiding a particular problem or question.

steering clear of

Emphasizes the intention to remain distant from a particular topic or situation.

ducking

Suggests a quick, physical movement to avoid something, but can also be used metaphorically to mean avoiding a question or responsibility.

hedging

Means limiting or qualifying a statement, often to avoid taking a firm position.

FAQs

How can I use "sidestepping" in a sentence?

You can use "sidestepping" to describe avoiding a topic or issue, as in, "The politician was accused of "sidestepping the question" during the debate."

What are some alternatives to "sidestepping"?

Alternatives include "evading", "dodging", and "avoiding", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a negative connotation to using "sidestepping"?

Yes, "sidestepping" can sometimes imply a lack of transparency or a deliberate attempt to avoid addressing a difficult issue directly. It suggests strategic avoidance rather than a head-on approach.

When is it appropriate to use "sidestepping" instead of "avoiding"?

"Sidestepping" is more appropriate when you want to emphasize a strategic or skillful avoidance, often in a situation where a direct confrontation is undesirable. "Avoiding" is a more general term for simply keeping away from something.