stayed away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stayed away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate avoiding a person, place, or situation. Example: "She stayed away from the party because she wasn't feeling well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I stayed away from him.

The New York Times - Sports

He stayed away from the girls.

The New York Times - Sports

No fast food, stayed away from steak.

The New York Times - Sports

I've stayed away from injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've always stayed away from express advocacy.

The New York Times

We have always stayed away from that.

The New York Times

I stayed away from my family.

The Guardian

"I just stayed away from the lefties.

The New York Times - Sports

I've always stayed away from him.

The Guardian

In fact, people stayed away from that".

The New York Times

"Nobody stayed away from the S.D.S".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "avoided" or "kept distance from" to add variety to your writing, especially if you use "stayed away from" frequently.

Common error

While "stayed away from" is generally acceptable, it might be too informal for academic or highly professional writing. In such cases, consider more formal alternatives like "refrained from" or "avoided".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed away from" functions as a phrasal verb indicating avoidance. As evidenced by Ludwig, it connects a verb ('stayed') with a preposition ('away from') to create a distinct meaning. Ludwig examples demonstrate its wide use to describe keeping distance from people, places, or topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stayed away from" is a versatile and common phrasal verb used to express deliberate avoidance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, media, and other diverse sources. While generally neutral in tone, remember that more formal synonyms like "refrained from" might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings. By understanding its nuances and common usage patterns, you can effectively use "stayed away from" in your writing. Be mindful of the context to make your message clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoided

Implies a conscious effort to keep away from someone or something; a direct synonym.

kept distance from

Emphasizes maintaining a physical or emotional separation.

shied away from

Suggests a reluctance or timidity in approaching something.

bypassed

Indicates going around or avoiding an obstacle or situation.

steered clear of

Similar to 'kept distance from' but often implies a potential danger or problem.

refrained from

Highlights the act of deliberately holding oneself back from doing something.

dodged

Implies a quick or evasive movement to avoid something.

evaded

Suggests skillful or cunning avoidance.

side stepped

Similar to 'bypassed', suggesting a strategic move to avoid confrontation or difficulty.

gave a wide berth to

Emphasizes creating a large space to avoid something, often implying caution.

FAQs

What does "stayed away from" mean?

The phrase "stayed away from" means to deliberately avoid someone or something, either physically or figuratively. It implies a conscious decision to keep a distance.

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

You can use "stayed away from" to describe avoiding a person (e.g., "I "stayed away from" him after the argument"), a place (e.g., "He "stayed away from" the city center"), or a topic (e.g., "She "stayed away from" controversial subjects").

What are some alternatives to "stayed away from"?

Alternatives include "avoided", "kept distance from", "shied away from", or "refrained from" depending on the context.

Is "stayed away from" formal or informal?

"Stayed away from" is generally considered neutral to informal. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "refrained from" or "evaded".