draw away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a movement or a shift away from something, either physically or metaphorically. Example: "As the discussion progressed, she began to draw away from the main topic, focusing instead on her personal experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

After this, Geoffrey died, and Eusebius began to draw away from Berengar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To be sure, Europe could still draw away from the precipice.

The New York Times

With their tremendous kicks, Gebrselassie and Tergat believed they could draw away from Khannouchi.

The New York Times - Sports

But its deepest moments draw away from the dazzle of appearances into the darkness of introspection.

The Guardian - Arts

She tends to draw away from her competitors, but risks being reeled back in by the field.

The New York Times - Sports

The plan might also draw away from the debate on services some of the poisonous anti-globalisation rancour that affected, for example, the French constitutional referendum.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We drew away from each other".

The New York Times

But she had drawn away from the horse world.

The New York Times

I think people's attention is drawn away from giving".

The New York Times

It was distracting and drew away from the incredible Russian backdrop.

Independent

He also describes the church's gradual drawing away from Jewish traditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw away from" to describe a gradual distancing or shift, whether physical, emotional, or ideological. It implies a less abrupt movement than alternatives like "flee" or "abandon".

Common error

Avoid using "draw away from" when a more forceful or immediate separation is intended. Alternatives like "flee", "evacuate" or "abandon" might be more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw away from" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a movement or shift away from something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing both physical distancing and metaphorical separation from ideas or commitments. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "draw away from" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a gradual movement or shift in focus. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly conveys the idea of distancing oneself, whether physically or metaphorically. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, proving its versatility across varied writing styles. When composing, ensure you aren't going for a forceful type of separation, or you'll need to use another alternative. For scenarios that require alternatives with a similar nuance, consider leveraging options like "move away from" or "distance oneself from".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move away from

Indicates a physical or metaphorical shift in position or focus; less idiomatic than the original.

distance oneself from

Implies a deliberate act of creating space or separation, often emotionally or ideologically.

recede from

Suggests a gradual withdrawal or diminishing presence; suitable for describing abstract concepts.

retreat from

Conveys a sense of strategic withdrawal, often in response to pressure or conflict.

diverge from

Highlights a deviation from a standard or expected path; suitable for describing opinions or methodologies.

veer away from

Suggests a sudden or unexpected change in direction or focus.

pull back from

Implies a retraction of involvement or support, often due to caution or reconsideration.

back away from

Indicates a cautious or hesitant withdrawal, often from a potentially dangerous or uncomfortable situation.

step away from

Suggests a temporary or voluntary removal from a situation or responsibility.

disengage from

Emphasizes a conscious decision to detach or withdraw from a commitment or involvement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "draw away from" is used to describe a gradual movement or shift in focus away from something. For example, "As he matured, he began to "draw away from" his youthful idealism".

What are some alternatives to "draw away from"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "move away from", "distance oneself from", or "recede from" as alternatives to "draw away from".

What's the difference between "draw away from" and "shy away from"?

"Draw away from" implies a gradual distancing, while "shy away from" suggests reluctance or avoidance due to discomfort or fear.

Is "draw away from" formal or informal?

The phrase "draw away from" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to appear more frequently in news articles and literature than in casual conversation.