Askew vs. Eschew – Which is Correct?

While sounding somewhat similar, askew and eschew are distinct words with different meanings and parts of speech. Askew functions as an adjective or adverb, meaning not straight or level, while eschew is a verb meaning to deliberately avoid or abstain from something. Both are correct in their respective contexts.

Askew or Eschew – Which is Correct?

Both “askew” and “eschew” are correct words in the English language, but they are not interchangeable. Their similarity in sound can lead to confusion, but their meanings and grammatical roles are entirely different. The core distinction lies in their function: askew describes a state of being or a manner, while eschew describes an action.

Similarly, understanding the nuances between other easily confused terms like Immerse vs. Emerse is crucial for precise communication.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think of the “S” sound: Askew relates to things that are slanting or skewed. Imagine a picture hanging askew on the wall. For eschew, think of “shooing away” something you want to avoid. You eschew bad habits, effectively “shooing” them out of your life.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Askew	Adjective, Adverb	Not in a straight or level position; at an angle.	The painting hung slightly askew on the wall.
Eschew	Verb	Deliberately avoid using; abstain from.	She decided to eschew all processed foods for a month.

How to Use Askew

The word “askew” describes something that is out of alignment, crooked, or not straight. It can function as both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective, it describes a noun (e.g., “a hat askew”). As an adverb, it modifies a verb or another adjective, describing how something is positioned or done (e.g., “hung askew”). It often carries a slightly informal or descriptive tone, highlighting an imperfection or an unusual angle.

Example 1: After the earthquake, many of the pictures on the walls were hanging askew.

Example 2: His tie was a little askew, indicating he had dressed in a hurry.

Example 3: The gate had swung askew on its hinges, making it difficult to close.

What are the different forms of Askew?

“Askew” is primarily an adjective or adverb and does not typically inflect for tense, pluralization, or degrees of comparison in the same way verbs or most adjectives do. It describes a state or manner. While some adverbs can form comparative and superlative degrees, “askew” is generally used in its base form. For instance, one might say “more askew” but rarely “askewer” or “askewest.”

Etymology of the word Askew

The word “askew” dates back to the late 16th century. It is believed to have originated from the Old French “a eschieu,” meaning “sideways” or “slanting.” This itself came from “eschiver,” which meant “to escape” or “to avoid,” showing an interesting, albeit distant, semantic link to the concept of deviation or turning away.

How to Use Eschew

“Eschew” is a verb that means to deliberately and consistently avoid something. It implies a conscious decision to abstain from a particular behavior, practice, food, or belief. The word often carries a formal or somewhat elevated tone, suggesting a principled or disciplined avoidance. It is frequently used in contexts where one gives up something for moral, health, or ethical reasons.

Example 1: Many monks eschew worldly possessions as part of their spiritual practice.

Example 2: To maintain a healthy lifestyle, she decided to eschew sugary drinks.

Example 3: The diplomat was careful to eschew any controversial statements during the press conference.

What are the different forms of Eschew?

As a regular verb, “eschew” follows standard English conjugation rules:

• Base form: eschew (I eschew)
• Past simple: eschewed (He eschewed)
• Past participle: eschewed (She has eschewed)
• Present participle: eschewing (They are eschewing)
• Third-person singular present: eschews (It eschews)

Etymology of the word Eschew

“Eschew” entered English from Old French “eschiver” or “eschever,” meaning “to shun, avoid, escape.” This, in turn, came from the Germanic “skiuhan” or “sceoh,” meaning “to fear” or “to avoid.” It has been in use in English since the Middle Ages, retaining its core meaning of deliberate avoidance.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader linguistic concepts can help clarify the distinct roles of words like “askew” and “eschew” and prevent common usage errors.

• Parts of Speech: Recognizing whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb is fundamental. “Askew” functions as an adjective or adverb, describing position or manner, while “eschew” is a verb, describing an action of avoidance. Confusing their parts of speech will inevitably lead to grammatical errors.
• Contextual Clues: Paying attention to the surrounding words in a sentence can often reveal the intended meaning. If a sentence discusses physical alignment or a crooked state, “askew” is likely the correct choice. If it speaks of deliberate avoidance or abstention, “eschew” is appropriate.

Examples from Media and Literature

• In a classic novel, a character might observe, “The old portrait hung slightly askew, casting a peculiar shadow on the faded wallpaper.”
• A health article might advise, “To improve cardiovascular health, experts recommend that individuals eschew a sedentary lifestyle in favor of regular physical activity.”
• A news report could state, “The mayor vowed to eschew partisan politics, focusing solely on community welfare.”
• From a historical text: “The ancient philosopher taught his followers to eschew materialism and seek inner peace.”
• A stage direction in a play might read: “She adjusted her hat, which had gone askew during the chase.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The artist’s perspective was always a little __________, challenging conventional views.
2. Many environmentalists choose to __________ single-use plastics from their daily lives.
3. After the strong gust of wind, the umbrella was bent and ___________.
4. He resolved to __________ gossip and engage only in constructive conversations.
5. Her meticulously organized desk always seemed to have one item slightly __________.

Answer Key

1. askew
2. eschew
3. askew
4. eschew
5. askew

Askew Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Crooked	Bent or twisted out of shape or out of place.
Awry	Away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course; amiss.
Slanted	Having an oblique direction or position; inclined.
Tilted	Move or cause to move into a sloping position.

Eschew Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Avoid	Keep away from or stop oneself from doing (something).
Shun	Persistently avoid, ignore, or reject (someone or something) through antipathy or caution.
Abstain	Restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.
Refrain	Stop oneself from doing something.
Forgo	Go without (something desirable).

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “askew” be used to describe a person’s mental state?
Yes, “askew” can metaphorically describe a mental state, implying that someone’s thoughts or perspective are a bit off-kilter, unconventional, or not quite right. For example, “His reasoning seemed a little askew.”

Question 2: Is “eschew” a commonly used word in everyday conversation?
“Eschew” is less common in casual everyday conversation than synonyms like “avoid” or “shun.” It tends to appear in more formal writing, speeches, or academic contexts due to its slightly elevated and precise tone.

Question 3: Are “askew” and “eschew” homophones or homonyms?
No, they are neither homophones (words that sound alike but have different meanings) nor homonyms (words that are spelled and sound alike but have different meanings). While they share some similar sounds, their pronunciations are distinct enough to differentiate them: “askew” (uh-SKYOO) and “eschew” (es-CHOO).

Conclusion

Navigating the nuances of English vocabulary is key to clear and precise communication. While “askew” and “eschew” may present a minor phonetic challenge, understanding their distinct meanings and grammatical functions is straightforward. Remember that “askew” describes something physically out of place, while “eschew” refers to the deliberate act of avoiding something. By keeping these differences in mind, you can confidently use both words to enrich your language. Pro Tip: Always double-check words that sound similar but have different spellings or meanings; a quick dictionary lookup can save your professional reputation.