away for a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "away for a time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something will be absent for a certain period. Example: "She decided to go away for a time to clear her mind and reflect on her life choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Being away for a time helped.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My controller was away for a time and with that layer missing I got more involved in the bookkeeping.

The New York Times

"They wanted to put me on Xanax, but I wanted no part of that". He moved away for a time and the anxiety subsided.

The New York Times - Health

Koeppel's book offers a clear reminder that many of history's greatest conundrums can be fully understood only if we turn away for a time from high politics and socioeconomic theory to focus on how people within a given community dealt with the more basic business of survival.

The New York Times - Books

It kind of went away for a time.

Huffington Post

Sure, they pouted and stayed away for a time.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"This judge would have a much harder time putting her away for a long time".

The New York Times

"I just remember maybe that was the first time I had been away for a long time.

Los Angeles Times

This time, we are confident he will be put away for a long time.

The New York Times

Those seniors — known in Kentucky as the Unforgettables — helped peeled away for a short time the layers of ostentation that have bloated big-time college sports.

The New York Times - Sports

Then the bus pulled away, pursued for a time by her stricken lover Rodolfo until he collapsed on the pavement.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "away for a time", consider the context and audience. It works well in informal or narrative writing where a precise duration isn't necessary. In formal settings, specify the exact timeframe (e.g., "away for three months").

Common error

In professional communication, using "away for a time" can be too vague. Instead, specify the exact dates or duration of your absence to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "away for a time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating a period of absence or separation. Ludwig demonstrates its usage in describing temporary states or actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "away for a time" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate a temporary absence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources and is considered to have a neutral to slightly informal register. While "away for a time" effectively communicates a temporary absence, it's advisable to use more specific language when precision is needed, particularly in formal or professional settings. Consider alternatives like "gone for a while" or "absent for a period" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gone for a while

This alternative is more informal and general in its implication of temporary absence.

absent for a period

This option is more formal and emphasizes the duration of the absence.

separated for a duration

This alternative focuses on the state of being separated rather than the act of going away.

off for a spell

This phrase uses a more folksy term, 'spell', to indicate a length of time, making it less formal.

departed temporarily

This option is more formal and directly states the temporary nature of the departure.

gone for a season

This phrase implies a longer absence, linked to a seasonal timeframe.

in absentia for a bit

This is a more Latinate and somewhat formal way of saying 'away', also adding 'for a bit' to soften the duration.

relocated temporarily

This suggests a change of location for a limited duration.

on leave for a period

This option is more commonly used in professional contexts, like employment or military service.

taking a temporary hiatus

This emphasizes the act of taking a break or pause for a limited time.

FAQs

What does "away for a time" mean?

The phrase "away for a time" means being absent from a place or situation for an unspecified duration. It implies a temporary absence, but the exact length of the absence is not defined.

What can I say instead of "away for a time"?

You can use alternatives like "gone for a while", "absent for a period", or "off for a spell" depending on the context.

Is "away for a time" formal or informal?

The phrase "away for a time" is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, you might prefer "absent for a period" or "on leave for a duration".

How do I use "away for a time" in a sentence?

You can use "away for a time" to describe a temporary absence, as in, "She needed to go away for a time to clear her head" or "The store will be closed as the owner is away for a time".