file away

USAGE SUMMARY

"file away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to mean to place something in storage for future reference. For example, "I filed away the document, in case I need to refer to it in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

File away or sand off any splinters.

The New York Times

If necessary, file away labels and brochures that explain its use and care.

The New York Times - Food

Ditch the frame and file away the photograph in an accordion envelope.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was easy to file away Kim Anh Vo as a textbook teenager.

The Washington Post

Day after day he'd been using it to try to file away at his chains.

The New York Times - Magazine

And every day, I file away these studies because I find them bizarrely interesting.

The New York Times

File away stuff you've taken action on, but may want to refer to.

Independent

The rest of the England batting had a day they might wish to file away under "forgettable".

The Guardian - Sport

Ferguson regarded retirement as something, in an ideal world, he could just file away in a drawer.

The Guardian - Sport

File away your tips for better parenting for the day your (eventual) child humiliates you at a roadside diner.

The New York Times

Push the file away from your body on the cutting stroke and lift the file off the tool on the backstroke.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "file away" when you want to emphasize the act of storing something for future use, especially documents or information. For example, "File away receipts immediately after a purchase to simplify tax preparation."

Common error

Avoid using "file away" when the context requires immediate action. "File away" implies deferment, not immediate attention. Instead of saying "File away this task", consider alternatives like "complete this task immediately".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "file away" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes the action of placing something in a specific location for later retrieval or reference, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

20%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "file away" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that means to store something for later use or reference. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While appropriate across various contexts, it's crucial to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, with alternatives like ""archive for future reference"" or ""keep on file"" being suitable for more formal settings. Remember, "file away" is best used when you want to emphasize the action of setting something aside systematically, not when immediate action is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep on file

Focuses on maintaining a record or document.

archive for future reference

Implies a more formal or organized method of storage.

place in archives

Indicates a systematic and permanent storage.

set aside for future use

Highlights the intention of using the item at some point.

put aside for later

Emphasizes delaying action until a later time.

put in storage

A general term for placing items in a designated storage space.

set apart for future consideration

Implies items set aside for evaluation at a later date.

store for safekeeping

Focuses on the security and preservation of the item.

stash away for later

Implies a hidden or secretive method of storage.

save for a rainy day

Suggests keeping something for a time of need or emergency.

FAQs

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

You can use "file away" to describe the act of storing something for future reference, as in: "I need to "keep on file" these documents after the meeting".

What does "file away" mean?

"File away" means to store something in an organized manner for later retrieval. It often refers to physical documents, but can also apply to digital information or even memories.

What's a good alternative to "file away"?

Alternatives to "file away" include "archive for future reference", "put aside for later", or "store for safekeeping" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "file away" in professional writing?

Yes, "file away" is acceptable in professional writing. However, consider the context and audience. In formal settings, "place in archives" or "keep on file" might sound more appropriate.