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Shy away from vs steer clear of vs avoid
Hi ! As you can expect from my title, I'm confused about these expressions.
I know what they mean but I'm just wondering if there's any subtile difference amongst them.
Like.. Is there any situation where if one of these expressions is used, it can sound unnatural?
The other day, I wanted to use 'shy away from' for the first time so I said 'I tried to shy away from him' but the other person said 'avoid' would be better.
So I'd like to know when I should use if there's any difference.
I'd really appreciate it if anybody helps me out ! :D
2018년 2월 14일 오후 1:19
답변 · 5
1
Hey there!
I will try to explain the difference to you here:
First of all, you should know that 'avoid' means the same as 'steer clear of'. So, you might get this idea in these examples below:
1) ''I tend to avoid crowded places! You know, I feel like I'm getting suffocated!''
2) ''Our mom always says that we should steer clear of strange people while walking on the street! We are not allowed to get close, let alone talk to them!''
*As to the expression 'shy away from', it is used in the sense of 'evade' or 'keep away from (something or someone)'. So, you might say like this:
1) ''I tried to shy away from her all day''.
2) ''You may shy away from questions concerning your private life''.
*It is more commonly used when it comes to shyness or some kind of stealth or reticence.
Hope that helps!
2018년 2월 14일
1
Avoid = steer clear of.
shy away from = avoid because of reticence or timidity
2018년 2월 14일
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