but not away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is remaining in a certain place or state, but not completely removed or absent. Example: "I want you to move the furniture, but not away from the room entirely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There is no reason why we should perform at home but not away.

The Guardian - Sport

"Just down and away, but not away enough," Parker said, "and he crushed it".

The New York Times - Sports

We can perhaps channel the threat away from the United States Government, but not away from Americans.

The New York Times

Algeria is used to winning at home, but not away". In his first match in charge, Algeria completed 399 passes in Dar-es-Salam, more than doubling that anaemic sum he counted out to journalists at the Stade 5 Juillet.

The Telegraph

The secret is (apparently) having a one-way valve so that the BBs can travel towards the chamber but not away from it.

TechCrunch

It is clear that the term "meme" as used here, is an adaptation of free and expanded its strict scientific sense, but not away from the essence of the idea.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I could hear some traffic sounds and could not figure out how to operate the telephone, but that was O.K.: I was settling into the away-but-not-away feeling.

The New York Times - Travel

It's been a long time being away, not away, but away in the head.

BBC

Maybe, but not right away.

The New York Times

But not right away.

Forbes

The females do catch on, but not right away.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not away" to express a nuance where something is partially affected or moved, but not entirely removed or absent. This is especially useful when describing abstract concepts or situations where complete separation isn't intended.

Common error

Avoid using "but not away" when a simpler negation would suffice. For instance, instead of saying 'The problem is improving, but not away', use 'The problem is improving, but not gone' for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not away" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting two clauses or ideas while indicating a contrast or qualification. It suggests that something is partially, but not entirely, removed or absent. As shown in Ludwig, this construction is found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not away" serves as a conjunctive phrase to express a nuanced perspective indicating that something is partially affected, moved, or changed, but not entirely removed or absent. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and used in a neutral register across various contexts such as news, science, and general writing. To avoid redundancy, ensure that its usage adds value, especially when a simpler negation could be more effective. Consider replacing it with alternatives like "though not completely gone" or "yet remaining" for clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though not completely gone

Focuses on the idea that something is partially, but not entirely, absent or removed.

though not entirely absent

Similar to "though not completely gone", but emphasizes the lack of complete absence.

yet not fully departed

Suggests that something has not completely left or gone away, emphasizing the incomplete departure.

whilst not fully removed

Highlights the incomplete removal of something, emphasizing the portion that remains.

yet remaining

Emphasizes the persistence of something despite some change; focuses on the remaining aspect.

even if partially withdrawn

Implies a partial retreat or removal, but not a complete absence.

however still present

Highlights the continued existence or presence of something, contrasting with a potential absence.

albeit not vanished

Emphasizes that something has not disappeared entirely, despite some expectation or possibility.

while still nearby

Indicates that something remains in close proximity, even if not directly present.

but retaining some proximity

Highlights the continued closeness or nearness of something, even if it's not directly present.

FAQs

How can I use "but not away" in a sentence?

Use "but not away" to indicate a partial change or movement, where something is still present or nearby. For example, 'I want you to reorganize the furniture, "but not away" from the room entirely.'

What phrases are similar in meaning to "but not away"?

Alternatives include "though not completely gone", "however still present", or "yet remaining" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "but not away"?

Yes, "but not away" is grammatically correct and usable, particularly when expressing that something is partially moved or changed, but not entirely absent. Ludwig confirms its validity based on numerous real-world examples.

When is it best to avoid using the phrase "but not away"?

Avoid using "but not away" when a simpler negation such as "but not gone" or "but not removed" is clearer and more concise.