away from work

USAGE SUMMARY

"away from work" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to refer to someone who is taking a break from their job or duties, or to someone who is on vacation from their job. For example, "The Smiths are taking a much-needed holiday away from work".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The median amount of time away from work was 135 working days.

BMC Public Health

"Enjoying some time away from work?

The Guardian

Public-sector workers are staying away from work en masse.

The Economist

Want to run away from work and join the circus?

The New York Times - Arts

Swedish women (and men) are away from work the longest.

The Economist

Her mother was finally able to get away from work.

The New York Times

She began sneaking away from work for Friday afternoon prayers.

The New York Times

It gets us all away from work and family.

The New York Times

He had been away from work for three months.

Independent

Flexible program structure which minimizes time away from work.

Columbia University

Step away from work — and watch disaster not strike.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the benefits of taking time off, use "away from work" to emphasize the separation from professional responsibilities and the opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.

Common error

Avoid using "away from work" when you actually mean "unemployed" or "between jobs". "Away from work" implies a temporary absence with an expectation of return, while the other terms suggest a more permanent or uncertain work status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "away from work" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to indicate a state of being absent or detached from one's employment. It is used to describe a temporary separation from work-related activities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "away from work" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a temporary absence from one's job, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, as well as in more informal settings. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context accurately reflects a temporary absence rather than permanent unemployment. Consider alternatives like "off work" for casual situations or "on leave" for more formal announcements. Remembering these nuances will help ensure clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time off work

Focuses on the concept of having scheduled or unscheduled leave from work.

on leave from work

Highlights the official or approved absence from one's job.

off work

A shorter, more casual way to say someone is not currently working.

not working

A simple statement indicating a lack of current work activity.

absent from work

Emphasizes the state of being away or not present at the workplace.

free from work

Highlights the sense of liberation and lack of obligation to work.

detached from work

Emphasizes a state of mental or emotional separation from work-related concerns.

outside of work hours

Refers to activities or states existing outside the normal working schedule.

vacationing

Specifically implies absence from work for recreational travel.

resting from work

Highlights the purpose of the absence being for recovery and relaxation.

FAQs

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

You can use "away from work" to describe someone taking time off for vacation, illness, or personal reasons. For example, "She is "away from work" on a sabbatical" or "He is "away from work" due to illness".

What's a more formal way to say "away from work"?

More formal alternatives include "on leave", "absent from work", or "taking a sabbatical". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "off work" and "away from work"?

"Off work" is a more casual and shorter way to say someone is not currently working. "Away from work" can imply a longer or more significant absence.

Is it correct to say "away from the work"?

While grammatically understandable, "away from the work" is not as commonly used as "away from work". "Away from work" is the more idiomatic and natural choice.