stand away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'stand away from' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the need for physical distance between two people or things. For example: "We need to stand away from each other to maintain social distancing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

If two people standing together, don't stand away from them.

WikiHow

"Your role is to stand away from the fray.

The New York Times

Awol: "I recommend all black at openings because you want to stand away from the art.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

2) When looking – especially at jewellery – stand away from the counter a bit, with hands behind your back.

Independent

As Ms. Sandin observed, "Clothes that stand away from the body can get you through the day".

The New York Times

Instead of body hugging, curvy shapes, the new-look sweaters and cardigans stand away from the torso, maybe curving up at the front and down at the back.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Dresses followed a narrow A-line and stood away from the body.

The New York Times

It was only when a viewer stood away from the paintings that a mouth, or an elegantly shod foot splashing through silvery liquid came into focus.

The New York Times

Afterward, she stood away from the stage with her husband and others for a few minutes, chatting, taking pictures and scrolling through her phone as Mr. Miller spoke.

The New York Times

At Zac Posen's show, the pleated taffeta wings of one dress stood away from a model's back and framed her vulnerable, birdlike shoulder blades.

The New York Times - Magazine

A great player never would have stood away from the basket while Charles Smith was stuffed time and again by the Bulls' defense.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing safety instructions, use “stand away from” to clearly communicate the need for physical distance, especially near hazards.

Common error

Avoid using “stand away from” in contexts where emotional or metaphorical distance is intended, as it primarily implies physical separation. For example, “He stood away from the argument” might be better phrased as “He distanced himself from the argument”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand away from" functions primarily as an instructional phrase. It's used to direct someone to maintain physical distance from a specified object, area, or person. This directive is supported by Ludwig and its examples, which often appear in safety-related contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

34%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand away from" is a common and grammatically sound instruction used to direct someone to maintain physical distance. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows its primary function is to ensure safety or prevent interference, often found in neutral contexts like news reports and instructional guides. The phrase is direct and easily understood, making it suitable for various settings, from public safety announcements to everyday instructions. It's important to note that it specifically refers to physical distance, and alternatives like "distance yourself from" should be used when referring to emotional or social separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep away from

A general way to express avoiding proximity.

keep your distance from

Emphasizes maintaining a safe or respectful separation.

stay clear of

Suggests avoiding something potentially harmful or problematic.

back away from

Implies a movement to create more space, often in response to something.

remain distant from

Highlights a sustained state of being separate.

steer clear of

Suggests carefully avoiding a person or thing.

distance yourself from

Highlights a conscious effort to create emotional or social separation.

avoid contact with

Focuses on preventing physical interaction.

withdraw from

Indicates a deliberate removal of oneself from a situation or environment.

give a wide berth to

Suggests creating considerable space to avoid something.

FAQs

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

You can use "stand away from" to instruct someone to maintain physical distance, as in "Please "stand away from" the edge of the platform".

What is a good alternative to "stand away from"?

A good alternative is "keep away from", which similarly suggests avoiding close proximity to something.

Is "stand away from" formal or informal language?

"Stand away from" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both informal instructions and more formal safety guidelines.

When should I use "distance yourself from" instead of "stand away from"?

Use "distance yourself from" when you mean emotional or social separation, rather than physical distance. "Stand away from" is best for physical space.