skirting the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skirting the issue" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to avoid or evade discussing a sensitive or difficult topic. Example: During the meeting, John kept skirting the issue of the budget cuts, instead choosing to focus on minor details.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

There is no point skirting the issue.

The Guardian - Sport

She, too, expressed puzzlement over the Met's insistence on skirting the issue.

The New Yorker

Sullivan, a 58-year-old postal worker, has therefore been skirting the issue when campaigning for candidates.

The Guardian

Britain has been splitting atoms for half a century and governments have been skirting the issue of waste disposal all the while.

The Economist

But the effort was later renamed a "chips tax," skirting the issue of fat altogether, a change that many people attribute to lobbying by multinational corporations.

The New York Times

He sang both older and new songs, occasionally skirting the issue of love but spending most of his time talking about the dislocation caused by political upheaval.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

They kept skirting the issues and saying everything was O.K. under the rules".

The New York Times

In the end, diplomats skirted the issue.

The New York Times

At her memorial service, people skirted the issue.

The New Yorker

In the indictment, prosecutors seemed to skirt the issue.

The New York Times - Tech

Miami's Dwyane Wade largely skirted the issue on Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "skirting the issue", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific issue is being avoided. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "skirting the issue" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing seem evasive. In formal contexts, consider directly addressing the issue or explaining why it cannot be discussed at that moment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skirting the issue" functions primarily as a verbal phrase or idiom. It describes an action of avoiding or evading a particular subject or problem. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skirting the issue" is a commonly used phrase that describes the act of avoiding a direct discussion or confrontation of a specific problem or topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring clarity and avoiding overuse that could imply evasiveness. Related phrases such as "avoiding the core of the matter" or "sidestepping the problem" can offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. Understanding its purpose and register helps in effectively incorporating the phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sidestepping the problem

Emphasizes the action of stepping aside from the problem, suggesting a tactical avoidance.

dodging the real point

Emphasizes the act of dodging or evading the main point of discussion.

evading the central question

Highlights the act of evading, particularly in question form, suggesting a direct attempt to not answer something.

shying away from the topic

Suggests a hesitance or reluctance to engage with a particular subject.

avoiding the core of the matter

Focuses on avoiding the central point, emphasizing the importance of the matter being sidestepped.

steering clear of the controversy

Highlights the avoidance of a contentious issue, focusing on maintaining distance from it.

circumventing the difficulty

Focuses on finding a way around a difficult situation without directly confronting it.

dancing around the subject

Uses a metaphor to convey indirectness and avoidance in discussing a topic.

beating about the bush

An idiomatic expression indicating indirectness and delay in addressing a topic.

glossing over the details

Highlights the act of minimizing or ignoring important details to avoid scrutiny.

FAQs

What does "skirting the issue" mean?

The phrase "skirting the issue" means avoiding or failing to address a particular topic or problem directly. It suggests indirectness or evasion.

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

Example: "The politician was accused of "skirting the issue" of tax reform during the debate."

What are some alternatives to "skirting the issue"?

You can use alternatives such as "avoiding the core of the matter", "evading the central question", or "sidestepping the problem".

When is it appropriate to use "skirting the issue" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to describe someone's behavior as deliberately avoiding a direct discussion or confrontation of a specific problem or topic. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes imply dishonesty or lack of transparency.