away but here

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "away but here" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of physical absence while still being present in some way, often in a metaphorical or emotional context. Example: "Even though she moved to another city, she feels away but here in spirit with her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"My brother cardinals have chosen one who is from far away, but here I am".

The New York Times

He even made a little joke, noting the cardinals had gathered to pick a bishop of Rome "but  have chosen one from far away – but here I am".

Independent

"If you hit it into the ground where another pitch has been it normally bounces and runs away but here it sticks a bit and you're not getting value for your shots".

Independent

The traumas of their fellow Muslims in the Middle East may be unfolding hundreds of miles away, but here in the mosques and madrasas of this humid East African port city, the pain feels close to home.

The New York Times

Oh, so walk away, but here I say, 'It's complicated.' Oh, but you say, you say, 'It's worth it.' " Which served as a reminder of Mr. Roth's earlier gift to Mr. Jackson, in which "complicated" and "worth it" were rendered in needlepoint.

The New York Times

This is the sort of casual virtuosity we have come to expect from James, and, for that reason, it was almost reassuring: the game has surely changed, and even its greatest personnel will fall away, but here we have something to look forward to down the road.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

An official inauguration was still many days away, but, down here, the gears of governance were already starting to grind.

The New Yorker

We're still a car, train, and plane ride away – but Barcelona, here we come!

TechCrunch

I'd press my cheek against the bus window glass and feel the cold quarters of an inch away but in here it was warm and calm.

TechCrunch

After reading so much, I can see a plot twist a mile away, but not here.

Huffington Post

"Midtown Manhattan is 30 minutes away," Mr. Cantor said, "but here you can live like Great Gatsby.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "away but here" to create a sense of longing or to highlight a contrast between physical absence and emotional or spiritual presence. For example, "Though the war was thousands of miles away, but here, in our hearts, it felt very real."

Common error

Avoid using "away but here" when there is no genuine contrast between distance and presence. The phrase works best when highlighting a paradoxical situation where something is physically distant but emotionally or conceptually close.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "away but here" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two contrasting ideas: physical absence (away) and a different form of presence (here). As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of paradoxical connection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "away but here" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize a contrast between physical absence and a different type of presence. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable. It frequently appears in News & Media contexts, highlighting emotional or conceptual connections despite physical distance. While it can be used in more formal writing, its neutral register makes it appropriate across various communication styles. Consider the context when using "away but here" to ensure the paradoxical relationship is clearly conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Distant yet present

Emphasizes the paradox of being far away in location but still present in mind or spirit.

Removed but still connected

Highlights a physical or emotional removal, but with a maintained link or bond.

Though distant, still here

A more poetic phrasing that underscores the persistent presence despite the distance.

Not physically present, but mentally here

Explicitly distinguishes between physical absence and mental or emotional presence.

Absent in body, present in spirit

A more formal and somewhat cliché way to express presence despite physical absence.

Far in distance, near in thought

Focuses on the contrast between geographical distance and closeness in thought or memory.

Gone in person, here in essence

Emphasizes that while the physical person is absent, their essence or influence remains.

Remote but involved

Highlights that despite being remote, there's still involvement or engagement.

Elsewhere, but conceptually here

Suggests that while physically located somewhere else, the idea or concept remains present.

Not there, but with you

A simpler, more direct way of saying that someone is present in spirit or support despite being physically absent.

FAQs

How can I use "away but here" in a sentence?

Use "away but here" to express a contrast between physical absence and some form of presence (emotional, spiritual, conceptual). For example: "The traumas of their fellow Muslims in the Middle East may be unfolding hundreds of miles "away", "but here" in the mosques and madrasas of this humid East African port city, the pain feels close to home."

What does "away but here" mean?

The phrase "away but here" suggests that something or someone is not physically present, but is still present in some other way, such as in thought, memory, or spirit. It emphasizes a paradoxical connection despite physical distance.

What are some alternatives to using "away but here"?

You can use alternatives like "distant yet present", "removed but still connected", or "though distant still here" depending on the context.

Is "away but here" grammatically correct?

Yes, "away but here" is grammatically correct. It combines an adverb indicating distance ("away") with a coordinating conjunction ("but") and an adverb indicating presence ("here") to create a meaningful contrast.