move further away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move further away" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to physically or metaphorically distance oneself from something or someone. Example: "I couldn't stand the smell of the garbage, so I had to move further away from the dumpster." In this sentence, the speaker is describing the action of physically moving away from the source of the unpleasant smell. This phrase can also be used in a metaphorical sense, as in: Example: "I need to move further away from my toxic relationship and focus on my own well-being." In this example, the speaker is using the phrase to describe distancing themselves emotionally from a harmful relationship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, you're going so fast that you move further away from this object.

Yale University

And if I move further away the constant K2 gets smaller.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Have you had to move further away from where you work?

The Guardian

We can't afford to let disadvantaged jobseekers move further away from work during the recession".

The Guardian - Business

If MLR achieves that, its players will move further away from their fans.

The Guardian - Sport

Some have expressed concern that the Anglican Church will move further away from the Catholic and damage ecumenism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Signed comment about the development of Times Square and the possibility that the New York Times may move further away from its namesake.

The New Yorker

As the man lay there, the churning chaos of the emergency department seemed to move further away — as if it were in another room.

The New York Times

This memory cluster may help explain why time speeds up with age, as older people move further away from this critical period in their lives.

Independent

"This will move further away from the legal system," Zhang Xinbao, a law professor at People's University of China, said of the milk crisis.

The New York Times

"Mr. Cooper has the best of intentions," he said, "but I think they are outweighed by the fact that government would move further away from the people".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move further away" to describe both physical and metaphorical distancing. For example, one could "move further away" from a problem by seeking solutions, or physically "move further away" from a source of noise.

Common error

While "move further away" is acceptable, consider more sophisticated vocabulary like "distance", "recede", or "diverge" in formal or academic contexts to enhance the writing's precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move further away" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of increasing the distance between two points, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig provides several examples supporting this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move further away" is a versatile expression used to describe both physical and metaphorical distancing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. It's frequently found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic texts. While perfectly acceptable, remember to select vocabulary that aligns with the desired tone and precision of your writing, particularly in formal settings. Alternatives like "distance oneself" or "recede" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distance oneself

Implies a deliberate action of creating space between oneself and something or someone else, often for emotional or strategic reasons.

separate oneself

Highlights a conscious effort to create a distinction or division between oneself and others.

drift apart

Suggests a gradual separation, typically in relationships, due to changing interests or circumstances.

grow apart

Similar to "drift apart", emphasizing a divergence in values or perspectives over time.

recede into the distance

Describes something becoming smaller or less distinct as it moves away, often used in a visual or spatial context.

withdraw from

Implies a formal or deliberate retreat from involvement or participation.

draw back

Suggests a retreat or withdrawal, often in response to something unpleasant or threatening.

disengage from

Suggests a detachment or separation from a task, situation, or relationship.

fall back

Implies a strategic retreat or withdrawal from a forward position.

lose touch

Refers to a gradual decline in communication or connection with someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "move further away" to describe a physical action, such as "The sound faded as we moved further away from the concert venue" or a metaphorical distance, such as "The company's values moved further away from its original mission".

What are some alternatives to "move further away"?

Consider using alternatives like "distance oneself", "drift apart", or "recede" depending on the context. These offer varying degrees of formality and nuance.

Is it correct to say "move farther away" instead of "move further away"?

Both "farther" and "further" can be used to describe physical distance. "Farther" is generally preferred for physical distance, while "further" is used for metaphorical or non-physical distance. However, this distinction is not always strictly observed, and "further" is often acceptable in both contexts.

When should I use "move further away" instead of "stay away"?

"Move further away" implies an action of increasing distance, while "stay away" suggests maintaining a distance that already exists. For example, "move further away" is appropriate when describing someone stepping back from a fire, whereas "stay away" is suitable when warning someone to avoid a dangerous area.