step away

USAGE SUMMARY

"step away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of backing off from a situation or physical space. For example, "I could feel the tension in the room and decided to step away for a moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Step away from the keyboard.

The New York Times

Step away from the cliché.

The New York Times

Step away.' It's sad.

The Guardian

I step away.

The New York Times

Step away from the Internet.

The Washington Post

Maddy takes a step away.

The New Yorker

"We're all one step away".

The New York Times - Sports

Please step away from the ledge.

The New York Times

They all step away in horror.

The New Yorker

But others wanted to step away.

The New York Times

Anonymous Step away from the phone!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "step away" when you want to advise someone to temporarily disengage from a situation to gain perspective or avoid escalation. For example, "If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to "step away" and take a break."

Common error

While "step away" is versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "withdraw" or "recede" in professional or academic writing to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step away" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, often used in imperative sentences to instruct someone to physically move or disengage from a situation. Ludwig showcases this in examples like, "Step away from the computer" and "Step away from the phone!"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "step away" is a commonly used and versatile expression, primarily functioning as an imperative to advise or command someone to create distance, physically or emotionally, from a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, and its neutral register makes it suitable for both informal and professional contexts. When aiming for formal tone, consider alternatives like "withdraw" or "recede". Overall, "step away" serves as a practical and direct way to recommend disengagement for safety, perspective, or de-escalation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back off

Suggests retreating from a confrontation or intense situation.

move back

Implies a physical repositioning to create distance.

pull back

Indicates a controlled retreat or reduction of involvement.

withdraw from

Indicates a formal removal of oneself from a situation or commitment.

distance yourself

Highlights the act of creating emotional or social separation.

disengage from

Emphasizes the act of disconnecting or ceasing involvement.

retreat from

Suggests a withdrawal, often in response to pressure or danger.

recede from

Suggests a gradual movement away, often in a less assertive manner.

opt out

Signifies a conscious decision not to participate.

bow out

Implies a graceful exit from a situation, often to avoid conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "step away" to suggest a physical movement, like "The boy took a "step away" from the dog", or to suggest disengaging from a situation, like "Step away from the computer and take a break".

What's the difference between "back off" and "step away"?

"Back off" often implies a more confrontational or defensive posture, whereas "step away" is generally neutral, suggesting a simple disengagement to create distance.

What can I say instead of "step away"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "move back", "withdraw from", or "disengage from".

Is "step away" appropriate for formal writing?

While "step away" is commonly used and understood, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider more sophisticated options like "recede" or "withdraw".