away from it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "away from it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate distance or separation from something, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "I need to step away from it for a while to clear my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All its food swims away from it.

Independent

Keep away from it.

The New York Times

Or away from it.

The New Yorker

Just stay away from it".

The New Yorker

You turn away from it.

The New York Times

I stay away from it.

The New Yorker

The hibitors shied away from it.

The New Yorker

I didn't get away from it".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet they shy away from it.

The New Yorker

Instead, he is running away from it.

The New York Times

I can't turn away from it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "away from it" to clearly indicate physical or emotional distance from a specific subject or situation. This phrase works well when you want to emphasize avoidance or separation.

Common error

While "away from it" is versatile, it can sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "separate from" or "distinct from" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "away from it" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate direction, separation, or avoidance. As evidenced by Ludwig, this prepositional phrase serves to describe a state of being at a distance, whether physical or metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "away from it" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote physical or emotional distance, avoidance, or separation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral to informal, writers should consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. Remember, "away from it" is your go-to phrase for expressing the idea of distancing oneself from something, be it a stressful situation or a crowded city.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoiding it

Focuses on the intentional act of staying away from something.

backing off from it

Implies a retreat or withdrawal from a previous position or involvement.

distant from it

Emphasizes the physical or emotional separation from something.

keeping one's distance from it

Emphasizes maintaining a physical or emotional separation.

shying from it

Suggests a reluctance or hesitation in approaching something.

removed from it

Highlights the act of taking something out of consideration or proximity.

staying aloof from it

Highlights a deliberate detachment or disinterest.

clear of it

Implies avoiding something that could cause harm or trouble.

recoiling from it

Suggests a sudden, involuntary movement away from something unpleasant or shocking.

eschewing it

Indicates a deliberate avoidance, often for moral or aesthetic reasons.

FAQs

What does the phrase "away from it" mean?

The phrase "away from it" generally means to be at a distance, either physically or emotionally, from a particular thing, situation, or topic.

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

You can use "away from it" to describe avoiding something unpleasant, such as "I try to stay "away from it" when people start arguing". It can also refer to physical distance, like "The cabin is a great place to get "away from it" all".

What are some alternatives to "away from it"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "distant from it", "removed from it", or "separate from it". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance of meaning.

Is it better to say "away from it" or "far from it"?

"Away from it" generally implies a deliberate action of moving or staying apart, while "far from it" typically indicates a greater degree of distance. The best choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.