squares away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "squares away from" is not correct and does not appear to be a standard expression in written English.
It seems to be a misinterpretation or a mix of phrases, and it is unclear in its intended meaning. Example: "He squares away from the challenge, preferring to avoid confrontation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He always took the diagonal opposition (putting his king two diagonal squares away from the other king).

The New York Times

The people who have rallied to the cause of restoring Egypt's democracy have held a sit-in in Rabaa al-Adawiya, one of Cairo's largest squares, away from Tahrir Square, which was the centre of anti-Morsi rallies.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you played Chutes and Ladders as a kid, you probably recall the frustration: There you are, just a few squares away from winning it all, when the wrong roll of the dice sends you sliding back to last place.

Los Angeles Times

It is a few squares away from the northern wall of the Barbarian Village longhouse.

WikiHow

Most of the time, the position will be that the two kings are two diagonal squares away from each other.

WikiHow

Keep your shooting defences (except mortars) about 4 - 6 squares away from the edge of your village.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But this crowd stuck to the center of the square, away from the violence.

The New Yorker

If necessary, lightly flour the worktop again, and the rolling pin if necessary, then roll out the square away from you into a 40cm long rectangle – make sure that the edges are as neat as possible.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Initially, this separating line will be parallel with the starting line, one square away from it.

Biology Direct

The square your rook is on must also be one square away from your king.

WikiHow

Move your king one square away from the rook and repeat the last three steps if the enemy king can threaten your rook next turn.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "moves away from" or "shies away from" for clearer and more standard English. The phrase "squares away from" is often interpreted as a non-idiomatic expression.

Common error

Avoid using "squares away from" when intending to convey avoidance or preparation. This phrasing is uncommon and can be confusing. Instead, use more recognized expressions like "shies away from" or "prepares for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squares away from" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a direction or relationship of separation. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is not standard English and might be misinterpreted. Consider using more conventional alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

29%

News & Media

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "squares away from" appears in various contexts, it is not a standard or widely accepted English phrase. Ludwig AI highlights its non-idiomatic nature. For improved clarity and grammatical correctness, consider using alternatives such as "moves away from" or "shies away from", depending on the intended meaning. Usage is infrequent and skewed towards informal registers, suggesting caution in formal or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shies away from

Emphasizes avoidance, lacking the spatial or preparatory nuance.

moves away from

Highlights the action of distancing, without necessarily implying resolution.

separates from

Indicates division without implying preparation or resolution.

distance from

Focuses on spatial separation, lacking the preparatory or confrontational aspect.

far from

Emphasizes remoteness, differing from preparatory or settlement aspects.

settles away from

Highlights the act of resolving issues before moving to a distance.

prepares apart from

Focuses on individual readiness, distinguishing it from collective settlement.

arranges separately from

Emphasizes the organizational aspect rather than spatial distance.

resolves independently of

Highlights autonomous resolution without spatial implications.

sets aside from

Focuses on reserving or saving, not spatial movement or preparation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "squares away from" for clarity?

To enhance clarity, replace "squares away from" with phrases like "moves away from" or "shies away from", depending on the intended meaning.

What does "squares away from" mean in different contexts?

The phrase "squares away from" is not a standard idiom. It can be interpreted as "moves away from" or implies resolving something before distancing oneself, but it lacks general acceptance.

Is "squares away from" grammatically correct?

While understandable in some contexts, "squares away from" is not considered grammatically standard. Opt for established phrases to ensure clearer communication.

When should I avoid using "squares away from"?

Avoid using "squares away from" in formal writing or when clarity is crucial. Substitute with more common phrases like "distance oneself from" to ensure comprehension.