block away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "block away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of obstructing or preventing access to something, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The construction crew had to block away the entrance to ensure safety during the renovations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was arrested about a block away.

The New York Times

Lincoln Park is a block away.

The New York Times

Living one block away from me.

The New York Times

"The bus stop's a block away".

The New York Times

The blast was heard a block away.

The New York Times

The ocean was just a block away.

The New Yorker

A Mormon church is one block away.

The New York Times

A bus stop is a block away.

The New York Times

The bus stop was a block away.

The New York Times

That factory is a block away".

The New York Times

Lafayette Park is about a block away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "block away" to provide a relatable measure of distance, especially in urban contexts where blocks are a common unit of measurement. For example, "The park is just a "block away", making it easy to reach for a quick stroll."

Common error

Avoid using "block away" when the context requires more precise measurements. Saying "the explosion could be heard a "block away"" is less informative if the actual distance was significantly more or less than a standard city block.

Linguistic Context

"Block away" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate proximity or distance. It specifies that something is located one block from a particular point, as shown in Ludwig's examples like, "The bus stop is a "block away"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Block away" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something is located one block from a specific location. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's most frequently used in news and media to provide a relatable measure of distance, particularly in urban environments. While the exact length of a block can vary, the phrase offers a quick and easily understandable sense of proximity. For alternatives, consider using "nearby" or "a short distance away" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a block or so away

This indicates an approximate distance, allowing for some slight variation.

nearby

This is a more general term indicating close proximity.

just down the street

Specifies proximity along a street.

a short distance away

This phrase emphasizes the brevity of the distance.

just around the corner

This suggests something is very close and easy to reach.

within walking distance

This specifies that the place is reachable by walking.

in close proximity

This is a formal way of saying that something is near.

stone's throw away

An idiomatic expression meaning very close.

easily accessible

Focuses on the ease of reaching a location, implying nearness.

in the vicinity

Indicates being in the general area or surrounding region.

FAQs

How can I use "block away" in a sentence?

You can use "block away" to indicate a short distance. For example, "The coffee shop is just a "block away" from the office" or "I live a "block away" from the school".

What can I say instead of "block away"?

You can use alternatives like "nearby", "close by", or "a short distance away", depending on the context.

Is it always clear what distance a "block away" refers to?

No, the length of a "block away" can vary significantly between cities and even within different parts of the same city. It's best used when the context makes the distance clear.

Which is correct, "block away" or "blocks away"?

"Block away" refers to a distance of one block. For distances greater than one block, use "blocks away". For example, "The library is two "blocks away"".