steer them clear of problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steer them clear of problems" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising or instructing someone to help others avoid difficulties or issues. Example: "As a mentor, my goal is to steer them clear of problems that could hinder their progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to media reports, the soldiers had believed that a feature of Waze, which allows drivers to request navigation routes that avoid areas "dangerous or prohibited for Israelis to drive through" would steer them clear of any problem neighborhoods.

Forbes

Although there are many owners with solid knowledge on bookkeeping and accounting, yet they rely more on the expertise of a professional accountant in order to steer clear of problems during the tax season.

Huffington Post

She wants to send a message to big business that "some people care about ethics" and she hopes that socially responsible funds will be more likely to steer clear of problem companies.

The New York Times

While this mild method steers clear of problems with methionine oxidation, PTMs are still incorporated as stereochemical mixtures, which may be of concern in certain instances.

Chemical Reviews

The most straightforward way to steer clear of potential problems is to forgo a joint tax return and have both spouses use the "married, filing separately" option.

The New York Times

By submitting a final draft and not the published article, researchers could steer clear of legal problems arising from the fact that journals own the copyrights to their published material.

The Washington Post

By focusing on prevention, we are laying a solid foundation for our relationship with our heart that will help us steer clear of future problems.

HuffPost

Even amid the furor over high-profile police killings that have thrust racial justice into the national conversation once again, Clinton ducked and weaved around the issue, also managing to steer clear of economic problems like Wall Street regulation and political corruption that have driven the left wing of the Democratic Party since Clinton left office.

Vice

Steer Clear of Problem Questions When interviewing a veteran candidate, it's important to keep your curiosity in check.

Huffington Post

When ethnic Albanian guerrillas started attacking in Macedonia last winter, he seemed inclined to steer clear of that problem, leaving it to the Europeans.

The New York Times

The only fly in her ointment is that her revision must involve renaming D. melanogaster.The application Dr van der Linde made would have steered clear of this problem through a small sleight of hand.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steer them clear of problems", ensure the context clearly identifies who "them" refers to and what specific "problems" are being avoided.

Common error

Avoid using "steer them clear of problems" when a more direct approach to addressing the problems is feasible. Sometimes, directly confronting issues offers better long-term solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steer them clear of problems" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise or instruct someone to help others avoid difficulties or issues. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Science

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Less common in

Wiki

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steer them clear of problems" is a valid and understandable expression used to guide individuals away from potential difficulties. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its usage appears limited, suggesting alternative phrasing might be more common. The phrase serves the purpose of offering guidance and support. The neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. To ensure clarity, specify who "them" refers to and what specific "problems" are being avoided. Remember, sometimes directly addressing the problems offers better long-term solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide them away from difficulties

Replaces "steer" with "guide" and uses "difficulties" instead of "problems", maintaining the same core idea.

help them avoid issues

Uses simpler vocabulary like "help" and "issues" for broader accessibility.

keep them out of trouble

Employs a more informal and direct expression for avoiding negative situations.

lead them away from potential pitfalls

More formal, using "lead" and "pitfalls" to suggest careful guidance and danger avoidance.

protect them from upcoming challenges

Focuses on proactively shielding someone from future difficulties.

ensure they bypass obstacles

Highlights ensuring the avoidance of impediments with slightly more formal language.

prevent them from encountering problems

Directly addresses the prevention of problematic situations.

assist them in circumventing difficulties

Uses more sophisticated vocabulary like "circumventing" for a formal tone.

navigate them around challenges

Emphasizes careful maneuvering to avoid difficult situations.

counsel them to avert predicaments

Incorporates advisory and avoidance elements through "counsel" and "predicaments".

FAQs

What does "steer them clear of problems" mean?

It means to guide or direct someone away from potential difficulties or troublesome situations. It implies taking action to help others avoid negative experiences.

How can I "steer them clear of problems" in a professional setting?

In a professional context, this involves providing guidance, training, and resources to help colleagues avoid errors, conflicts, or project setbacks. For example, implementing clear protocols or offering mentorship opportunities.

Are there more formal alternatives to "steer them clear of problems"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "guide them away from difficulties", "assist them in circumventing difficulties", or "lead them away from potential pitfalls". These options are appropriate for formal or professional communications.

What is a situation where I might want to "steer them clear of problems"?

Mentoring a new employee is a great example. You can "guide them away from difficulties" and help them learn the ropes, avoiding common pitfalls that new hires often face.