move away from

USAGE SUMMARY

'move away from' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to go in the opposite direction from someone or something. For example: He decided to move away from the chaos and find some peace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other people move away from others.

The New York Times

Move away from unrelated diversification.

Harvard Business Review

Let's move away from that thing".

The New Yorker

The move away from hedging is clear.

The New York Times

Emily's verdict: "Move away from the stage.

The Guardian - Music

There's a move away from simply showcasing.

The Guardian - Film

"Banks should move away from staple financing.

The New York Times

I wanted to move away from metaphors.

The Guardian - Music

and move away from the back..

The New Yorker

For more on Britain's move away from coal, click here.

Yale University

Move away from the hazard site to a safe location.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move away from" when you want to indicate a shift in strategy, thinking, or physical location. For instance, "The company decided to move away from traditional advertising methods."

Common error

Avoid using "move away from" when a simpler verb like "leave", "abandon", or "reject" would be more direct and clear. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "move away from" is a phrasal verb indicating a change in direction, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase. It signifies a deliberate act of distancing or separating from something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "move away from" is a frequently used phrasal verb indicating a shift or change in direction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for a variety of contexts including news, academia, and general conversation. It expresses a conscious decision to distance oneself from something, whether physically, strategically, or emotionally. While often used effectively, it’s important to consider if a simpler verb could convey the meaning more directly. Common alternatives include ""depart from"", ""abandon"", and ""diverge from"", each offering slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shift away from

Indicates a change in focus or emphasis.

distance yourself from

Implies creating emotional or physical separation.

turn away from

Suggests a rejection or refusal to engage.

disassociate from

Implies separating oneself from a group or idea.

break away from

Emphasizes a sudden or forceful separation.

diverge from

Suggests a departure in opinion or direction.

withdraw from

Suggests a deliberate removal or retreat.

depart from

Suggests a formal or official change of course.

recede from

Indicates a gradual withdrawal.

abandon

Focuses on leaving something behind completely.

FAQs

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

You can use "move away from" to indicate a shift or change in direction, as in, "The government is trying to "move away from" fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to "move away from"?

Some alternatives to "move away from" include "diverge from", "depart from", or "abandon", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "move away from" or "distance from"?

While both phrases can work, "move away from" often implies a more concrete shift or change, whereas "distance from" suggests emotional or strategic separation. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to "move away from" something?

To "move away from" something means to shift focus, strategy, or even physical location to a different direction or area. It suggests a deliberate change in course or action.