step away from

USAGE SUMMARY

"step away from" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to tell someone to move away from something or someone else. For example: "Step away from the door and let me open it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Step away from the keyboard.

The New York Times

Step away from the cliché.

The New York Times

Please step away from the ledge.

The New York Times

Anonymous Step away from the phone!

The New York Times

Step away from the vinegar bottle.

The New York Times

Step away from your laptop, Walter Mitty!

The New York Times

Avid gamers, step away from your consoles.

The Guardian - Travel

Men, step away from the hair product.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Step away from the subplot, Chas.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We couldn't step away from it.

The New York Times

I couldn't step away from that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "step away from" when you want to directly instruct someone to physically move away from something, especially when there might be an element of danger or a need for immediate action.

Common error

Avoid using "step away from" in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "withdraw from" or "disengage from" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step away from" primarily functions as an imperative verb phrase used to direct someone to physically distance themselves from something. Ludwig examples show its directive nature, often in situations implying caution or danger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

11%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Forbes

5%

The New York Times

21%

The Guardian

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "step away from" is a common and generally correct phrase used to instruct someone to move back or disengage from something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media, as well as informal contexts, and carries a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it is best to reserve it for situation when you want to directly instruct someone to physically move away. Remember that in formal contexts you might opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "withdraw from" or "disengage from" to maintain a professional tone. With its clear directive and easily understood meaning, "step away from" is a useful addition to your linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove yourself from

Emphasizes the act of taking oneself out of a situation.

back away from

Implies a cautious or fearful retreat.

pull back from

Implies a deliberate and often strategic withdrawal.

detach yourself from

Highlights a separation on an emotional or psychological level.

retreat from

Suggests moving back, often to avoid danger or conflict.

distance yourself from

Focuses on creating emotional or social distance, rather than physical.

disengage from

Implies ceasing to participate or be involved.

withdraw from

Suggests a formal or official removal from involvement.

abstain from

Focuses on refraining from participating or consuming.

recede from

Indicates a gradual movement away or a lessening of involvement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "step away from" is used to tell someone to move back or disassociate themselves from something. For example, "Step away from the edge" or "Step away from the argument".

What are some alternatives to "step away from"?

You can use alternatives like "distance yourself from", "withdraw from", or "remove yourself from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "step away from the situation"?

Yes, it is correct. "Step away from the situation" means to disengage or remove yourself from a particular circumstance, often to gain perspective or avoid conflict.

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

"Step away from" generally means to move away, while "back away from" implies a more cautious or fearful retreat. The choice depends on the specific context and the intended nuance.