Move away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Move away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a change in direction, behavior, or focus, often implying a departure from a previous state or condition. Example: "In order to improve our productivity, we need to move away from outdated practices and embrace new technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Move away from a strict adherence to data sets.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Move away from home; travel to learn.

Huffington Post

Move away from your La-Z-Boy.

Huffington Post

Move away from power lines, buildings, cars and other hazards.

Los Angeles Times

Move away from bribes.

WikiHow

Move away from him.

WikiHow

Move away from your nose.

WikiHow

Move away from the lips.

WikiHow

Move away from your mother.

WikiHow

Move AWAY from the gossip clan.

WikiHow

Move away from the fire ant mound.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising a change in strategy or behavior, use “move away from” to gently suggest replacing an existing approach rather than criticizing it directly.

Common error

Avoid using "move away from" when simply describing physical movement; use a more direct verb like "step back" or "walk away" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move away from" functions primarily as a phrasal verb introducing a prepositional phrase, indicating a shift or change in direction. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used to suggest departing from a current state or practice. Ludwig confirms it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

31%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "move away from" is a versatile phrasal verb used to recommend a change in direction, strategy, or focus. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from informal to professional settings. While it's prevalent in Wiki, News & Media, and Science, it's essential to use more specific verbs when describing simple physical movement and to consider alternative phrases like "depart from" or "shift away from" for nuanced communication. As Ludwig confirms, "move away from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Depart from

Suggests a more formal and decisive abandonment of a practice or idea.

Shift away from

Implies a gradual change in focus or direction.

Diverge from

Indicates a deviation or branching off from a standard or norm.

Turn away from

Emphasizes a rejection or refusal to engage with something.

Distance oneself from

Focuses on the act of creating emotional or physical separation.

Break away from

Suggests a forceful or abrupt separation from something.

Recede from

Suggests a gradual withdrawal or fading away.

Step back from

Implies taking a temporary pause or removing oneself from a situation.

Eschew

Denotes a deliberate avoidance of something, often for ethical reasons.

Withdraw from

Indicates a formal or official removal of involvement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "We need to move away from fossil fuels"?

Alternatives include "We should "transition from" fossil fuels", "We ought to "reduce our reliance on" fossil fuels", or "It's time to "phase out" fossil fuels".

What does "move away from" mean in the context of project management?

In project management, "move away from" typically means to discontinue a particular practice, methodology, or tool in favor of a new or revised approach. It implies a strategic shift to improve efficiency or outcomes.

Is it more formal to say "diverge from" or "move away from"?

"Diverge from" is generally considered more formal than "move away from". The former is often used in academic or technical contexts, while the latter is suitable for broader, more general communication.

When is it appropriate to use "distance oneself from" instead of "move away from"?

"Distance oneself from" is appropriate when the emphasis is on creating a separation, often emotional or ideological, from a person, group, or idea. "Move away from" is more general and can apply to practices, strategies, or locations as well.