a time away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period spent away from one's usual environment, often for relaxation or a break. Example: "After a long year of work, I decided to take a time away to recharge and reflect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But when I returned after a time away in 2010, the agberos were gone.

The Guardian

He conceded that he did see a more normal existence in his near future, one that didn't require spending two months at a time away from home.

The New York Times

There have been significant advances in organ xenotransplantation (cross-species transplantation), especially in the development of genetically engineered pigs, but clinical trials of solid organ transplants are still a time away.

American Heart Journal

Ferris Bueller had his day off, but for these chefs, finding a time away from work to marry was a tall order.

The New York Times

She spends days at a time away from her children, sometimes leaving them with her mother in Dallas, while she works out of New York.

The New York Times - Travel

I hope that this period will also be a time away from the public spotlight and for rest and attention to family concerns".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Sometimes, with just a little time away, an idea will come out of the blue that's very, very right.

Los Angeles Times

A year is a long time away.

The New York Times

Some of these countries are now a short time away from having a serviceable nuclear weapon.

The Guardian

"I had a lot of fun after a long time away.

The New York Times - Sports

"It seems like a long time away, it's like a different life," Kuznetsova said last week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a time away" to denote a deliberate and planned separation from routine activities for rest or other purposes.

Common error

While acceptable, "a time away" can sound informal in certain professional documents. Opt for more formal alternatives like "leave of absence" or "sabbatical" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time away" functions as a noun phrase. It typically describes a period dedicated to rest, recovery, or separation from routine activities. This is reflected in Ludwig's examples, where the phrase denotes a break from usual responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time away" is a noun phrase denoting a period of separation from routine activities, often for rest or recovery. Ludwig identifies its usage as grammatically correct, though relatively rare. It's suitable for neutral contexts, but more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional settings. The phrase effectively communicates the idea of taking a break for restorative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time off

A general term for time away from regular duties or work.

a break

Shortens the phrase to a simpler term for a temporary cessation of activity.

a getaway

Suggests a brief escape from everyday life to a different location.

a vacation

Specifically refers to a longer period of rest and recreation away from work or studies.

a holiday

Similar to vacation but often implies a more festive or traditional occasion.

a respite

Suggests a brief period of rest from something difficult or unpleasant.

a leave

Implies a formal or authorized absence from duty or work.

a sabbatical

Refers to a longer period, often granted for study or travel.

period of absence

Formal way to refer to a duration when someone is not present.

interval of separation

Emphasizes the separation from usual activities or environments.

FAQs

How can I use "a time away" in a sentence?

You can use "a time away" to describe a period of rest or separation from usual activities. For instance, "After the project, I needed "a time away" to recharge."

What are some alternatives to "a time away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a break", "a vacation", or "time off".

Is "a time away" formal or informal?

"A time away" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For very formal contexts, consider using "leave of absence" or "period of absence".

When is it appropriate to use "a time away" instead of "vacation"?

Use "a time away" when you want to emphasize a general period of separation or rest without necessarily implying a recreational trip. "Vacation" specifically denotes recreational travel.