steer

Everyday

1. To steer is to control which way a car, bike, boat or other vehicle goes. tree →
2. To steer is also to guide a person or a talk in a certain direction. tree →
3. A steer is a young male cow kept for meat. tree →
4. A steer (informal) is a piece of advice or a hint. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and road safety, you steer a bike with the handlebars and a car with the steering wheel. In science, steering changes direction, which needs a force. In stories, «steer clear of» means keep away from something. Phrases: «steer clear of», «steering wheel», «steer the boat».

Examples

• Steer your bike around the puddle. tree →
• Dad steered the car into the parking space. tree →
• The captain steered the ship into the harbour. tree →
• Steer clear of that dog; it bites. tree →
• The teacher steered the talk back to maths. tree →
• The farmer sold three steers at the market. tree →
• Hold the handlebars with both hands so you can steer. tree →
• She steered her little brother away from the road. tree →
• So she ordered the old boatman to steer for Squirrel Island. tree →

Note

Past form: steered. Do not confuse «steer» with «stir» (mix with a spoon) or «stare» (look for a long time). A steer (animal) is a male; a heifer is a young female cow.