away from civilization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'away from civilization' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a place that is distant, remote and isolated from society. For example: "We decided to go camping in the wilds of Montana, away from civilization and the stress of everyday life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This approach, alternating tenting with town life, makes for an extremely civilized way to get away from civilization.

The New York Times - Travel

Organizers simply wanted to see how far away from civilization they could attract people.

The New York Times

His followers, too, walked away from civilization, and likewise didn't arrive anywhere.

The New Yorker

At some point during the trip, miles away from civilization, a blizzard caught the small group off guard.

The New York Times

"I'm getting as far away from civilization as I can before diving back in," Mr. Leibowitz said.

The New York Times

As Greg Toal once put it to me, "We're away from civilization, the way I like it".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Far away from any civilization, not knowing when the war would end or how it would end.

Huffington Post

"No one should be able to rip us away from our culture and civilization.

The New York Times

To get as far away as possible from civilization and its gifts that imprisoned us.

HuffPost

In the remoteness of the Colombian jungle we were treated to sweeping views of thick foliage that were breathtaking, and also intimidating in their reminder of how far away and remote from civilization we were.

HuffPost

After a few hours I thought that my Chiang Mai girlfriend was the best, it seemed that the more away you went from civilization the more credible the love that my girlfriends showed me seemed and while I was still crazy about Sonserai (the girl who broke my heart in NYC) I found the Thai girls fresh, funny and perfect to help me on the rebound on that summer 19 years ago.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "away from civilization" to evoke a sense of escape, isolation, or a return to nature. It can be effective in both descriptive writing and persuasive arguments about the benefits of disconnecting from modern life.

Common error

While widely understood, the phrase "away from civilization" can sound informal or cliché in certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise language like "remote area", "isolated location", or "undeveloped region" when writing reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "away from civilization" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate location or state of being. It describes where someone or something is situated in relation to developed society, often emphasizing remoteness or isolation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "away from civilization" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that describes a location or experience removed from modern society. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely understood, with a neutral to informal register. It effectively conveys a sense of distance, escape, or contrast with urban life. While versatile, it may be prudent to opt for more precise language in highly formal or technical contexts. Common related phrases include "remote from society" and "isolated from the modern world".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cut off from civilization

Highlights the sense of being disconnected from the rest of the world.

remote from society

Replaces "civilization" with "society" to emphasize the social aspect of being isolated.

isolated from the modern world

Highlights the contrast between a remote location and the conveniences of the "modern world".

in a remote location

A more general term for describing a place that is far away from populated areas.

in the wilderness

Focuses on the natural environment as the place of isolation.

away from urban life

Focuses on the contrast with city living.

far from the beaten path

Emphasizes the unconventional and secluded nature of a place.

off the grid

Indicates a disconnection from public utilities and modern infrastructure.

in the middle of nowhere

Uses an idiomatic expression to describe a very remote and sparsely populated place.

in seclusion

Emphasizes the voluntary aspect of being isolated.

FAQs

How can I use "away from civilization" in a sentence?

You can use "away from civilization" to describe a place or experience that is remote and isolated from modern society. For example, "They built a cabin deep in the woods, far "away from civilization"."

What are some alternatives to "away from civilization"?

Alternatives include "remote from society", "isolated from the modern world", or "in the wilderness", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "far from civilization" instead of "away from civilization"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Far from civilization" is perhaps slightly more emphatic in conveying distance, but they are largely interchangeable.

What does it mean to be "cut off from civilization"?

To be "cut off from civilization" implies a more forceful or involuntary separation from society, often due to geographical barriers, lack of communication, or other external factors. It suggests a more complete disconnection than simply being "away from civilization".