flow away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flow away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that moves or is carried away, often in a fluid or gentle manner. Example: "As the river swelled, the leaves began to flow away downstream, carried by the current."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Water should flow away from your home, not toward it.

The Guardian

If rocks had no strength, mountains would simply flow away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The vent line allows excess pressure to flow away from the tank and away from the spacecraft.

The New York Times

Lower down were earth "bunds"; smaller, part-concrete structures designed to divert some flow away from the town.

The Guardian

So can all of C. B.'s wealth persuade the river to flow away from his land?

The New York Times - Books

If there were no greenhouse gases, energy radiating from the surface of the earth would flow away from it unimpeded.

The New Yorker

Power will flow away from traditional institutions that have failed to deliver progress – especially governments and banks.

The Economist

All the misfortunes of the world seemed to flow away with the river water, and we returned for a moment to our youth.

The New Yorker

Vasopressin shifts blood flow away from the skin, legs, abdomen, and muscles, and toward the brain and heart, Dr. Wenzel said.

The New York Times

An opportunity, in Britain's case, for powers to ebb back instead of flow away and for the European Union to focus on what really matters".

The Guardian - Business

First, when the sound waves pass through the accumulating blood, it produces "acoustic streaming", causing the blood to flow away from the injury.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flow away" to describe the movement of liquids, gases, or abstract concepts like power or misfortune leaving a certain area or entity. For example: "Ensure water flows away from your home's foundation to prevent damage."

Common error

Avoid using "flow away" when a more specific verb like "drain", "recede", or "dissipate" would be more appropriate. "Flow away" implies a gentle and continuous movement, which may not fit all contexts. For example, instead of saying "The anger flowed away", consider "The anger subsided" if the intensity decreased gradually.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "flow away" primarily functions as a verb indicating movement or displacement. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the action of something moving or being carried away from a specific point. Examples include water flowing away from a house, or misfortunes flowing away with river water.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "flow away" is a versatile expression used to describe movement or displacement from a specific point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across different contexts. While primarily found in scientific and news-related sources, it is appropriate for describing both physical processes (like water drainage) and abstract concepts (like the dissipation of stress). When using this phrase, consider the specific connotation to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, and avoid using it when a more precise verb would be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drift away

Suggests a gradual and passive movement, often carried by a current or breeze.

ebb away

Implies a receding or diminishing flow, commonly used in contexts related to tides or waning strength.

wash away

Indicates forceful removal or erosion by water, often implying destruction or loss.

dissipate

Refers to the gradual disappearance or fading of something, such as energy or concerns.

divert

Signifies the redirection of a course or path, typically involving a deliberate change in direction.

recede

Suggests a backward movement or withdrawal, often used for water levels or emotional states.

drain away

Emphasizes the emptying or removal of liquid through a channel or outlet.

slip away

Suggests a subtle or unnoticed departure, often used for opportunities or time.

pass away

Indicates the termination or disappearance of something, often used as a euphemism for death or the ending of a period.

vanish

Implies a sudden and complete disappearance, often without explanation or trace.

FAQs

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

You can use "flow away" to describe the movement of liquids, like "The rainwater should "flow away" from the house". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "The stress seemed to "flow away" after the vacation".

What's a good alternative to "flow away" that implies gradual disappearance?

Alternatives like "drift away" or "ebb away" suggest a more gradual or subtle disappearance. "Dissipate" is another option for non-physical entities.

In what contexts is "flow away" most appropriate?

"Flow away" is appropriate in contexts where something is moving continuously and smoothly from a particular place. This can be literal (water "flowing away" from a drain) or figurative (negative feelings "flowing away" after a relaxing experience).

Is there a difference between "flow away" and "wash away"?

Yes, while both describe movement, "wash away" implies a more forceful action, often involving water removing something completely. "Flow away" suggests a gentler, more continuous movement. For example, "The flood "washed away" the bridge" versus "The excess water "flowed away" from the garden".