steer clear of unforeseen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steer clear of unforeseen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to avoid unexpected or unpredictable situations or outcomes. Example: "To ensure a smooth project, it's best to steer clear of unforeseen complications that could derail our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Having your own unique company brand name with lots of "white space" around it gives you more control and allows you to steer clear of unforeseen events that can tarnish your company.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Buyers steer clear of them".

The New York Times

Any you steer clear of?

The New York Times - Books

Are there any you steer clear of?

The New York Times - Books

But steer clear of motion-pictures stars.

The New Yorker

"We try to steer clear of that".

The New Yorker

"I steer clear of that," Halladay said.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't steer clear of genres.

The New York Times - Books

Steer clear of money; steer clear of fame.

The New York Times - Books

Just steer clear of Miguel Cabrera.

The New York Times

Generally, steer clear of group settings.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steer clear of unforeseen", ensure the context clearly establishes the possibility of negative outcomes if the advice is not followed. This provides a rationale for the recommendation and enhances its impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "steer clear of unforeseen" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "avoid unexpected" or "stay away from unforeseen" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steer clear of unforeseen" functions as an advisory expression, urging avoidance of potential negative or problematic situations that cannot be predicted. Ludwig shows this is often used in business and planning contexts to promote proactive risk mitigation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

50%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steer clear of unforeseen" serves as a grammatically correct advisory, urging caution and avoidance of unpredictable negative circumstances. Ludwig's analysis highlights that it's relatively rare, fitting best in formal business or professional contexts. While simpler alternatives exist for casual settings, the phrase effectively communicates the importance of proactive risk management. This analysis, combined with Ludwig AI's assessment, offers a comprehensive understanding of its usage and appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steer clear of unexpected problems

Synonymous with "steer clear of unforeseen" but less formal.

avoid unforeseen circumstances

Replaces "steer clear of" with a more direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

evade unexpected events

Uses stronger verbs to emphasize active avoidance, adding a slightly more forceful tone.

dodge unanticipated incidents

Implies a more agile or reactive avoidance of negative situations.

sidestep unforeseen problems

Suggests a deliberate maneuver to avoid difficulties, often implying cleverness or skill.

avoid potential surprises

Replaces "unforeseen" with a common synonym and alters the sentence structure.

bypass unanticipated issues

Focuses on finding an alternate route to avoid the problems, often implying a planned solution.

stay away from unexpected developments

Emphasizes maintaining distance from potentially problematic occurrences.

prevent unexpected situations

Focuses on taking proactive measures to avoid negative situations before they arise.

be wary of potential complications

Shifts the focus to being cautious and aware of possible problems, rather than active avoidance.

FAQs

How can I use "steer clear of unforeseen" in a sentence?

Use "steer clear of unforeseen" to advise avoiding unexpected or unpredictable situations. For example: "To ensure a smooth project, it's best to steer clear of unforeseen complications that could derail our timeline."

What are some alternatives to "steer clear of unforeseen"?

Alternatives include "avoid unforeseen circumstances", "evade unexpected events", or "sidestep unforeseen problems".

Is it better to say "steer clear of unforeseen problems" or "avoid unforeseen problems"?

Both are correct, but "avoid unforeseen problems" is more direct. "Steer clear of" adds a slightly more emphatic tone, suggesting a need for careful maneuvering. Choose based on desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "steer clear of unforeseen"?

It's appropriate in formal or professional contexts when advising someone to avoid potential unexpected negative events or situations. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable.