inching away

USAGE SUMMARY

"inching away" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It means to move gradually and timidly in a particular direction. For example, "The frightened cat kept inching away from the dog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

This time, though, he shows no sign of inching away.

The New Yorker

I'm inching away from the former and towards the latter.

Independent

Now, however, Mr. Obama may be inching away from the conventional wisdom.

The Washington Post

Years later, as she was inching away from an acting career to concentrate on playwriting, she remembered her mother's tale.

The New Yorker

"We're going to try to keep inching away at those things," Constantine said of the Devils' problem areas.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite the title of his new album, these songs are inching away from process and toward finished product.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He smiles as I inch away.

The Guardian - Film

My husband and baby inched away, embarrassed.

The New York Times

Then he inched away from it bit by bit.

The New York Times

Coolly, but with a smile, he inched away.

The New York Times - Sports

Neighbours and friends inched away from each other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inching away" to describe a gradual shift or distancing, especially when the movement is subtle or hesitant. For example, "The company is inching away from its traditional marketing strategies."

Common error

Avoid using "inching away" when a more decisive or rapid departure is intended. "Walking away" implies a clearer, more definitive action, whereas "inching away" suggests a slow and perhaps reluctant change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inching away" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a gradual or subtle movement of retreat or distancing from something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its application in describing shifts in policy, relationships, or physical positions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Sport

10%

Books

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inching away" is a correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes a gradual and subtle retreat or distancing. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, and its usage is prevalent in various contexts, especially in news and media. The phrase serves to convey a sense of cautious or hesitant movement, as opposed to a more decisive action. While suitable for a range of registers, it's particularly common in neutral contexts, making it a versatile choice for describing gradual changes or shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

little by little drawing away

Similar to "inching away", but with a slightly broader connotation of being drawn away by an external force.

slowly withdrawing

Highlights the slowness of the action and suggests a more deliberate removal.

gradually retreating

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the movement, focusing on the act of pulling back.

progressively separating

Highlights the ongoing nature of the separation and the increasing distance.

incrementally distancing oneself

Focuses on the act of creating distance over time, often in a metaphorical sense.

cautiously backing off

Implies a sense of caution and careful movement in reverse.

gingerly stepping back

Suggests a delicate and hesitant movement away from something.

bit by bit receding

Highlights the gradual and almost imperceptible nature of the retreat.

steadily moving aside

Focuses on a continuous and purposeful shift to the side.

making a slow departure

Emphasizes the slowness of leaving, suggesting a reluctance to go.

FAQs

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

You can use "inching away" to describe a gradual retreat or distancing from something. For example, "The government is "inching away" from its previous policies."

What are some alternatives to "inching away"?

Alternatives include "gradually retreating", "slowly withdrawing", or "incrementally distancing oneself" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "inching away" and "walking away"?

"Inching away" implies a slow, gradual retreat, while "walking away" suggests a more decisive and complete departure. Use ""inching away"" when the movement is subtle and hesitant; use "walking away" when it is more definitive.

Is "inching away" a formal or informal expression?

"Inching away" is a neutral expression suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and general conversation. While not overly formal, it is widely accepted in written and spoken English.