sidesteps the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sidesteps the issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone avoids addressing a particular topic or problem directly. Example: "During the debate, the candidate consistently sidesteps the issue of climate change, focusing instead on economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But the Femsa deal sidesteps the issue.

The New York Times

Alas, Mr. Shipler sidesteps the issue.

The New York Times - Books

The report, he said, "just sidesteps the issue".

The New York Times

Yet the law still sidesteps the issue of deaths on cruise ships.

The New York Times

A young composer's manic account of his cancer sidesteps the issue of sentimentality by mocking it.

The New York Times - Books

The immigration legislation presented in the Senate sidesteps the issue nicely.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Other doctors sidestep the issue altogether.

The New York Times - Health

Mr. Jackson swiftly sidestepped the issue.

The New York Times

The academy is doing its best to sidestep the issue.

The New York Times

The Church, as usual, has sidestepped the issue.

The Guardian

House Republican leaders have tried to sidestep the issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sidesteps the issue" when you want to convey that someone is deliberately avoiding a direct confrontation with a problem or question. It suggests a strategic maneuver to bypass something challenging.

Common error

Avoid using "sidesteps the issue" when you actually mean that someone is actively 'addressing the issue'. "Sidestepping" implies avoidance, while 'addressing' implies direct engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sidesteps the issue" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of avoiding or evading a particular topic or problem. As Ludwig examples show, it is commonly used to describe strategic avoidance in discussions, reports, or legislation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sidesteps the issue" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of avoiding or evading a problem or topic. Ludwig AI indicates it is often used in news, academic, and scientific contexts to convey criticism or highlight a lack of direct engagement. When writing, consider whether "sidestepping" accurately reflects the intention, as it implies avoidance rather than addressing the issue directly. If you need alternatives, "avoids the question", "evades the problem", and "dodges the subject" are semantically related options, each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoids the question

This alternative focuses on evading a direct response.

evades the problem

This suggests a deliberate act of dodging a problematic situation.

dodges the subject

This implies a quick or evasive maneuver to change the topic.

circumvents the matter

This indicates finding a way around an obstacle or difficulty.

bypasses the concern

This suggests ignoring or going around a particular worry.

skirts around the problem

This implies avoiding direct engagement with the problem.

steers clear of the topic

This suggests a conscious effort to avoid a particular discussion.

glosses over the difficulty

This implies minimizing the significance of a challenging aspect.

brushes aside the matter

This suggests dismissing the issue as unimportant.

turns a blind eye to the situation

This implies willful ignorance of a problem.

FAQs

What does it mean to "sidestep the issue"?

To "sidestep the issue" means to avoid directly addressing or dealing with a problem, topic, or question. It suggests evasion or finding a way around it.

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

You might say, "The politician "sidesteps the issue" of tax reform by focusing on job creation".

What are some alternatives to "sidesteps the issue"?

You can use alternatives like "avoids the question", "evades the problem", or "dodges the subject" depending on the context.

Is "sidesteps the issue" formal or informal?

"Sidesteps the issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "circumvents the matter" in professional or academic writing.