stays away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stays away from" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone avoids or refrains from something. Example: My brother always stays away from spicy food because he can't handle the heat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Berkshire traditionally stays away from hostile bids.

The New York Times

He stays away from most contemporary fiction.

The New Yorker

So she stays away from it, like the alcoholic stays away from the bottle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He eats no meat and stays away from smokers.

The New Yorker

She also stays away from alcohol and caffeine.

The New York Times

He says he stays away from the public eye.

The Guardian - Film

The gang itself mostly stays away from the town.

The Guardian

His show avoids the extremes of rich and poor and stays away from clichés.

The New Yorker

Tom stays away from Mary because he's been told to; Mary stays away from Tom because he gives her the creeps.

The New York Times - Books

But she stays away from the region's stuffy Arabic language academies, which are dominated by academics.

The New York Times

Williams stays away from cigarettes, harsh soaps, most sports and anything that poses a physical risk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stays away from" to clearly indicate an intentional act of avoidance. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "stays away from" when a simpler word like "avoids" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stays away from" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a prepositional verb, indicating the act of avoiding or remaining distant from something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stays away from" is a commonly used prepositional verb that effectively conveys the act of avoiding something, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. While alternatives like "avoids" or "refrains from" exist, "stays away from" emphasizes intentional and consistent avoidance. Remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler terms when appropriate, and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoids

A more concise and direct synonym, suitable for general use.

refrains from

More formal, suggesting a conscious decision to abstain.

keeps clear of

Implies avoiding something potentially dangerous or troublesome.

steers clear of

Similar to "keeps clear of" but with a stronger sense of intentionality.

shuns

Suggests a deliberate and often public rejection.

eschews

A formal term indicating a deliberate avoidance, often for ethical reasons.

bypasses

Implies going around something, rather than directly avoiding it.

evades

Suggests skillful or strategic avoidance.

abstains from

Formal and often used in the context of voting or making choices.

turns away from

Implies a rejection or disinterest in something.

FAQs

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

You can use "stays away from" to indicate avoidance of something. For example, "He "stays away from" fast food to maintain a healthy diet."

What are some alternatives to "stays away from"?

Some alternatives to "stays away from" include "avoids", "refrains from", or "keeps clear of".

Is there a difference between "stays away from" and "avoids"?

While both phrases indicate avoidance, "stays away from" often implies a more deliberate or consistent effort to avoid something, whereas "avoids" can be more general. For example, if something is toxic, one "stays away from" it, whereas you simply "avoids" the neighbor you don't like.

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

"Stays away from" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing when you want to emphasize that someone is actively or intentionally avoiding something.