point away from

USAGE SUMMARY

"point away from" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It typically means that something is directed in a direction opposite of something else. For example, "I pointed away from the house when I threw the frisbee so that it wouldn't hit the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pointed tip of the petals should point away from you.

WikiHow

She knew that she was a match point away from a rematch in the semifinals.

The New York Times

For Fulham, winning a point away from home, there was probably greater satisfaction.

Independent

Luton are a point away from a positive tally after victory over Lincoln.

The Guardian - Sport

And he was one point away from winning a world championship.

The Guardian - Sport

The United States wanted to savor earning a valuable point away from home.

The New York Times - Sports

The Portland Timbers are just one point away from the Western Conference cellar.

The Guardian - Sport

Happy with a point away from home, but can see the players' faces: very disappointed".

The New York Times - Sports

Cotton then also took a point away from Lewis for pushing Tyson to the canvas.

The New York Times - Sports

(Photons also exert radiation pressure, which is part of the reason comet tails always point away from the sun).

The New Yorker

On Harry Redknapp for failing to glean a single point away from Loftus Road before leaving mid-season?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "point away from", ensure the context clearly specifies both the subject doing the pointing and the object or direction being avoided for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "point away from" in contexts where a more direct verb like "reject" or "abandon" would be more appropriate, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point away from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, indicating direction or avoidance. For example, "The petals should point away from you."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "point away from" is a versatile prepositional phrase commonly used to indicate direction, orientation, or avoidance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To ensure clarity, always specify what is doing the pointing and what is being avoided. When a more direct verb fits better, especially in formal contexts, avoid using "point away from". Consider related phrases like ""diverge from"" or ""deviate from"" for semantic alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diverge from

Indicates a separation or moving in different directions, often used to describe opinions or paths.

deviate from

Suggests a departure from an established course or standard.

face away from

Emphasizes the physical orientation of something directed in the opposite direction.

look away from

Highlights the act of averting one's gaze or attention.

turn away from

Implies a deliberate act of rejecting or abandoning something.

recede from

Suggests a gradual movement backward or away.

steer clear of

Indicates an effort to avoid something potentially harmful or undesirable.

shy away from

Conveys a sense of hesitation or reluctance in approaching something.

distance oneself from

Implies a deliberate effort to create emotional or social separation.

deflect from

Indicates redirection or turning aside from a direct course or topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "point away from" to describe physical direction, such as "The arrow should "point away from" the target" or figuratively, such as "His comments "point away from" his earlier position".

What are some alternatives to "point away from"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "point away from" include "diverge from", "deviate from", or "turn away from".

Is there a difference between "point away from" and "turn away from"?

"Point away from" typically refers to a direction or orientation, while ""turn away from"" implies a more active rejection or avoidance.

When is it appropriate to use "point away from" in writing?

Use "point away from" when you want to indicate that something is directed or oriented in a direction opposite to something else, or when indicating a shift in focus or direction.