staying away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "staying away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of keeping a distance from someone or something, either physically or emotionally. Example: "I have been staying away from social gatherings to focus on my studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am staying away".

The New York Times

Investors are staying away.

The Economist

But visitors are staying away.

The Economist

Outsiders are staying away.

The New York Times

Staying away from N.Y. the org.

The New Yorker

I am accustomed to staying away.

Independent

It means they are staying away.

The New York Times - Sports

Its secular allies are conspicuously staying away.

The New Yorker

Brady cited family plans for staying away.

The Washington Post

Viswanathan Anand also obliged by staying away.

The New York Times

So I'm fine with Obama staying away.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "staying away", consider the specific reason for avoidance. Is it due to fear, respect, or strategic planning? Choosing a synonym may add clarity.

Common error

While "staying away" is common, overuse in formal writing can sound colloquial. Opt for more precise vocabulary such as "abstaining", "refraining", or "avoiding" to enhance professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "staying away" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun within a sentence. It describes the act of maintaining distance, whether physical or emotional, from something or someone. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "staying away" is a grammatically sound and very common gerund phrase that indicates avoidance or maintaining distance. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage. It is frequently found in news and media, but also appears in other contexts. While acceptable in most situations, more formal synonyms like "refraining" or "abstaining" may be preferable in professional or academic writing. Understanding the nuances and alternatives will help you use this phrase effectively in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoiding

Focuses on the act of actively evading or preventing something.

keeping away

Emphasizes maintaining a distance, either physically or figuratively.

keeping one's distance

Highlights maintaining a safe or respectful separation.

abstaining from

Suggests a deliberate choice to refrain from something, often for moral or health reasons.

refraining from

Similar to abstaining, but can also imply a more general act of holding back.

steering clear of

Implies navigating around something to avoid a potential problem.

shunning

Indicates a deliberate and often social avoidance, sometimes due to disapproval.

evading

Suggests skillfully escaping or dodging something.

dodging

Suggests quick, evasive movements to avoid impact or contact.

giving a wide berth to

Implies creating a large distance to ensure avoidance.

FAQs

How can I use "staying away" in a sentence?

You can use "staying away" to describe the act of maintaining distance from something, as in, "I am "staying away" from processed foods for health reasons".

What's the difference between "staying away" and "avoiding"?

"Staying away" often implies a continuous action of maintaining distance, while "avoiding" suggests a specific instance of preventing contact. Both are similar, but their usage depends on the intended nuance.

Which is more formal, "staying away" or "refraining"?

"Refraining" is generally considered more formal than "staying away". Use "refraining" in formal writing contexts where a higher level of diction is appropriate.

What can I say instead of "staying away" to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, consider using alternatives like "abstaining from", "refraining from", or "evading" depending on the context.