step away from work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "step away from work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to take a break or distance themselves from their work responsibilities. Example: "After a long day of meetings, it's important to step away from work and recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Step away from work — and watch disaster not strike.

Harvard Business Review

Her company gives her the ability to step away from work to take her 7-year-old son, Theo, to doctor's appointments, and to work from home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With planned Amazon intern events and plenty of current Fuquans and alumni in the city, I had no problem finding opportunities to step away from work and recharge.

Duke University

Taking the time to step away from work to exercise, meditate or partake in a hobby reengages the mind and sets people up for more success once they're back in work mode.

Forbes

While retirement may seem a long ways off, the younger investors get into the markets, the better positioned they'll be when it comes time to step away from work.

Forbes

And to be creative, you have to unclutter the mind and create spaces for fresh thinking the kind that happens when you step away from work. 2. Read Out of Your Box.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I feel so fortunate to have the choice to step away from work-fatigue that I have now.

The New York Times

Richard Long, the veteran land and process artist (and precursor of Andy Goldsworthy), is suddenly one step away from working on canvas.

The New York Times

At times, the student journalists had to step away from working to process their emotions, even as they worked around the clock to meet their deadline, the evening before leaving to cover the March for Our Lives in Washington.

The Guardian

In a new study, researchers from Baylor University found, our health, productivity and job satisfaction can suffer when we don't make good use of the time we take to step away from work-related activities. .

Huffington Post

"Stepping away from work into inspiring countryside to refuel at the end of the day".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "step away from work" to encourage temporary disengagement for improved well-being and productivity. This phrase works well in articles or guides about work-life balance, stress management, or employee well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "step away from work" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "take a break" or "disconnect" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "step away from work" functions primarily as an imperative or directive, often used to suggest or recommend a temporary cessation of work activities. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase is usable in written English and advises taking a break or distancing from work responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "step away from work" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to advise or suggest taking a temporary break from work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a practical recommendation for improving well-being and productivity. It's particularly useful in discussions about work-life balance and stress management. While suitable for various contexts, remember to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "take a break" or "disconnect" to maintain engagement. The phrase enjoys broad acceptance across news, business, and academic platforms, making it a versatile and understandable choice in writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a break from work

Suggests a brief pause from work to rest or recharge.

disconnect from work

Emphasizes the act of mentally and emotionally detaching from work-related thoughts and tasks.

unplug from work

Highlights the action of switching off from work, particularly digital devices and online communication.

take time off work

Indicates a more extended absence from work, such as a vacation or leave.

get away from work

Implies escaping the work environment or mindset.

cease working

A more formal way of saying stop working, often implying a complete halt.

pause work activities

Focuses on interrupting the specific actions related to work.

interrupt work routine

Highlights the disruption of the usual work pattern.

suspend work temporarily

Suggests a temporary halt to work, with the expectation of resuming later.

take a breather from work

Implies a short break to relax and recover from work-related stress.

FAQs

What does "step away from work" mean?

The phrase "step away from work" means to temporarily stop working or disengage from work-related tasks. It often implies taking a break to rest, recharge, or focus on other aspects of life.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "step away from work"?

It's appropriate to use "step away from work" when advising someone to take a break, discussing work-life balance, or suggesting methods for stress management. It's also suitable in the context of retirement planning or career transitions.

What can I say instead of "step away from work"?

You can use alternatives like "take a break from work", "disconnect from work", or "take time off work" depending on the context.

Is "step away from work" formal or informal?

The phrase "step away from work" is generally considered to be neutral in tone. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "temporarily cease work activities".