steering clear of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steering clear of" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to avoid (someone or something), and is often used as an expression of caution. For example, "I'm steering clear of that fight to avoid getting in the middle of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mathambo is steering clear of those anxieties.

The Guardian - Music

This means steering clear of any of that policy stuff.

The Guardian

Therefore, I am steering clear of togger this week.

The Guardian - Sport

A few people admitted steering clear of the sink.

The New York Times

Most pirates were steering clear of that hipster nonsense.

The Guardian - Music

He pummeled him, after steering clear of bigger, tougher guys all season.

The New York Times - Sports

But for the biggest companies, steering clear of genetically altered corn and soybeans is very difficult.

The New York Times

She was clearly delighted, politely steering clear of controversy, describing her victor as a "great athlete".

The Guardian - Sport

Funnily enough, Dunbar admitted to steering clear of other pink books, when I recommended them.

The Guardian - Books

"I'm steering clear of drinking and sport, but it will be in Sri Lanka," he said.

The Guardian - Books

Generally, the older generation clings to the centuries-old tradition of steering clear of statecraft.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steering clear of" when you want to emphasize a conscious effort to avoid something potentially negative or problematic. For example, "The company is steering clear of risky investments during the economic downturn."

Common error

Avoid using "steering clear of" when simply describing a lack of involvement. This phrase implies a deliberate decision to avoid something, not just a passive absence. Instead of saying "He's steering clear of the project because he's busy", consider "He's not involved in the project because he's busy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steering clear of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes how someone or something is behaving in relation to another entity, indicating avoidance. Ludwig confirms this by providing numerous examples where it modifies verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Lifestyle

15%

Sports

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steering clear of" is a prepositional phrase that functions adverbially to indicate intentional avoidance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and very commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While applicable in formal writing, it maintains a generally neutral register. When using "steering clear of", be mindful of its implication of deliberate evasion, making it distinct from simple absence or lack of involvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoiding

This is a general term for keeping away from something.

keeping away from

A more literal and straightforward way of expressing avoidance.

staying away from

Similar to "keeping away from" but emphasizes maintaining distance.

evading

Implies skillfully escaping or avoiding something.

dodging

Implies quick or clever avoidance of something.

giving a wide berth to

Means avoiding something by keeping a safe distance from it.

shunning

Suggests deliberately avoiding someone or something, often due to disapproval.

bypassing

Implies going around something to avoid it.

sidestepping

Means avoiding something, often a difficult issue or question.

circumventing

Suggests finding a way around an obstacle or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "steering clear of" in a sentence?

You can use "steering clear of" to describe avoiding something, often with intention. For example, "I am steering clear of processed foods to improve my health" or "The company is "staying away from" controversial topics to avoid negative publicity".

What's a good substitute for "steering clear of"?

Alternatives to "steering clear of" include "avoiding", "evading", or "keeping away from". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "steering clear of" or "avoiding"?

"Steering clear of" is slightly less formal than "avoiding" but both are generally acceptable in most contexts. The phrase "steering clear of" adds a bit more emphasis on intentional avoidance, making it useful when highlighting a deliberate decision.

What does "steering clear of" imply about the thing being avoided?

The expression "steering clear of" often implies that the thing being avoided is potentially problematic, dangerous, or undesirable. It suggests a wise or cautious decision to "keep away from" something that could cause harm or trouble.