to steer clear of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to steer clear of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to advise someone to avoid a particular situation, person, or thing. Example: "To maintain a positive work environment, it's best to steer clear of office gossip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We try to steer clear of that".

The New Yorker

I try to steer clear of heartbreaks.

The New York Times - Magazine

The media tend to steer clear of politicians' amorous peccadillos.

The Economist

Is the armadillo wise to steer clear of these savages?

The New Yorker

She said she tries to steer clear of uncool.

The New York Times

Ballet choreographers tend to steer clear of using opera music.

The New York Times

Goths, however, have tended to steer clear of trouble.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both manage to steer clear of the cocaine and bulimia.

The New York Times - Style

She advises her clients to steer clear of Ford debt.

The New York Times

And scuba divers try to steer clear of everyone else.

The New York Times

You've raised a wise child to steer clear of yours.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to steer clear of" when you want to suggest avoiding something that could potentially cause problems or discomfort. It implies a cautious approach.

Common error

While "to steer clear of" is acceptable in many contexts, it can sound too informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using a more precise or formal synonym like "avoid" or "circumvent" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to steer clear of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb, indicating an action of avoidance. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where it advises avoiding specific actions or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to steer clear of" is a common and grammatically correct way to advise someone to avoid a particular person, place, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in news and media, with a neutral register making it suitable for various contexts. While there are more formal alternatives like "avoid" or "circumvent", "to steer clear of" effectively conveys a sense of caution and deliberate avoidance. When writing, consider the formality of your audience and choose synonyms accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid

This is a more direct and general term for keeping away from something.

keep away from

A more literal and straightforward way to express avoidance.

stay away from

Similar to "keep away from" but slightly more emphatic.

evade

Implies skillful or strategic avoidance.

give a wide berth to

Suggests keeping a safe distance, often from something potentially dangerous.

shun

Suggests deliberate avoidance, often for moral or social reasons.

sidestep

Implies cleverly avoiding an issue or problem.

dodge

Suggests quick or sudden avoidance, as of a physical object.

bypass

Suggests going around or avoiding an obstacle or regulation.

escape

Implies getting free from something perceived as dangerous or unpleasant.

FAQs

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

You can use "to steer clear of" to suggest avoiding something potentially problematic. For example, "To maintain a positive work environment, it's best "to steer clear of" office gossip."

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

You can use alternatives like "avoid", "evade", or "keep away from" depending on the specific context.

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

"To steer clear of" often implies a conscious effort to avoid something potentially troublesome, while "avoid" is a more general term for keeping away from something. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

When should I avoid using "to steer clear of"?

While generally acceptable, consider using a more formal alternative in academic or highly professional contexts. Phrases like "circumvent" or "obviate" might be more appropriate.