steps away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steps away from" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use this phrase to indicate something is located a short distance from another object or place. For example, you could say, "The beach is only a few steps away from our hotel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He never steps away from danger.

The New Yorker

He's two steps away from PTSD".

The Guardian

She steps away from the microphone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ramírez was still a few steps away from the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

But "Egypt" deliberately steps away from any possibility of formula.

The New York Times - Arts

Steps away from the British Museum and Russell Square.

The New York Times - Travel

"I'm 30 steps away from the gondola," he said.

The New York Times

McChrystal steps away from the circle, observing his team.

The New Yorker

We've taken a few steps away from depression lately.

The New York Times

Then Veit steps away from the nursing floor.

The Washington Post

Known for: Oysters, steps away from the White House.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steps away from" to emphasize the short distance between two locations or concepts, making it relatable to the reader's experience of walking.

Common error

Avoid using "steps away from" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents. Opt for more precise and professional language, like "in close proximity to" or "a short distance from".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steps away from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate proximity or a short distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound expression used to convey nearness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

24%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steps away from" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate close proximity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, though more prevalent in news, media and academic writing than formal or scientific domains. While versatile, remember to consider the formality of your writing and choose synonyms like ""in close proximity to"" for professional or academic contexts. When aiming for a descriptive and accessible tone to your writing, "steps away from" can effectively communicate nearness in a relatable way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close by

Simple and direct, indicating something is situated near.

nearby

A simple and direct way to indicate that something is not far away.

a short distance from

More literal and less idiomatic way to indicate proximity.

in close proximity to

Indicates nearness or closeness in space to something; more formal.

just around the corner from

Implies a short distance and ease of access; more informal.

within walking distance of

Highlights the ease of reaching a place by walking.

a stone's throw from

Emphasizes extreme closeness, suggesting minimal effort to reach.

within reach of

Focuses on the attainability or accessibility of something.

easily accessible from

Highlights convenience of access rather than mere distance.

in the vicinity of

Refers to the surrounding area; more general than a precise distance.

FAQs

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

You can use "steps away from" to describe the proximity of two physical locations, such as "The hotel is "steps away from" the beach". It can also be used metaphorically, like "The company is "steps away from" a breakthrough".

What phrases can I use instead of "steps away from"?

Alternatives include "nearby", "within walking distance", "in close proximity to", or "just around the corner". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "steps away from" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "steps away from" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using phrases like "a short distance from" or "in close proximity to" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "steps away from" and "a stone's throw from"?

"Steps away from" implies a very short, walkable distance, while "a stone's throw from" is a more idiomatic expression suggesting something is extremely close. Both indicate nearness, but "a stone's throw from" is often more figurative.