step around

USAGE SUMMARY

"step around" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to bypass or avoid something by taking a different approach or taking a detour. Here is an example: "The puddle was too deep to step through, so she had to step around it and take a longer route to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"What'd he do?" It was a man on a rectangle of cardboard you might normally step around.

The New Yorker

Most Connecticut cities are like brackish puddles that suburbanites step around or over, if they possibly can.

The New York Times

Franklin was asked afterward if Lochte's failure to medal was a disappointment that she had to step around, lest she get swept into its vortex.

The New York Times - Sports

Always step around the planting area, especially if you have a raised bed.

WikiHow

We had more space to step around the bullshit.

The Guardian

They step around her on the way to the keg.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Canseco continued to stutter-step around that issue in his new book.

The New York Times - Sports

(Replica shells are available for sale in the lobby, so that audience members can do their own high-step around town).

The New Yorker

Innovation does not happen when you toe-step around people's feelings.

HuffPost

Be direct (but respectful) Innovation does not happen when you toe-step around people's feelings.

Huffington Post

Let them goose-step around the world, killing millions and stealing resources.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "step around" when you want to convey the idea of avoiding a direct confrontation or obstacle, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "He tried to step around the controversial topic during the interview."

Common error

Avoid using "step around" in purely physical contexts where a more direct verb like "walk past" or "move aside" would be more appropriate. "Step around" often carries an implication of avoidance or indirectness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step around" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating an action of avoidance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies bypassing or evading something either physically or metaphorically. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from sidestepping puddles to dodging difficult questions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "step around" is a common and versatile expression used to describe the act of avoiding something, be it a physical obstacle or a more abstract issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It finds frequent use in "News & Media", "Wiki", and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "skirt around" and "bypass". When using "step around", consider whether a more direct or literal alternative might be more appropriate. Remember to avoid using the expression in cases where the avoidance implication is not intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bypass

Suggests going around something without dealing with it directly.

sidestep

Emphasizes a lateral movement to avoid an issue.

skirt around

Focuses more on avoiding a direct confrontation or discussion.

navigate around

Suggests carefully maneuvering to avoid something.

circumvent

Implies finding a way to overcome an obstacle, often cleverly.

detour around

Indicates taking a longer route to avoid an obstacle.

evade

Highlights the act of escaping or avoiding something, often with a sense of urgency.

dodge

Implies quickly moving to avoid something.

move around

A more literal alternative, focusing on physical movement.

walk around

A more literal alternative, focusing on physical movement.

FAQs

How can I use "step around" in a sentence?

You can use "step around" to describe physically avoiding something, as in, "I had to step around a puddle". It can also mean avoiding a topic, like, "She tried to step around the question".

What does it mean to "step around" something?

To "step around" something means to avoid it, either physically by walking around an obstacle, or figuratively by avoiding a topic or issue. It suggests indirectness or a desire to not confront something directly.

What can I say instead of "step around"?

Alternatives include "skirt around", "bypass", or "avoid", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "step around" an issue?

Yes, it is correct. Saying you "step around" an issue means you're avoiding addressing it directly. This usage is common in news and media, as well as everyday conversation.