swing away

USAGE SUMMARY

"swing away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal expression used to mean "take action" or "start doing something." For example, you might say, "We have a lot of work to do, so let's swing away!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So swing away".

The New Yorker

Should I swing away?

The New York Times - Sports

He hears fans who want him to swing away.

The New York Times - Sports

And a 100% swing away from poll predictions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Recent polls suggest a large swing away from the Coalition.

The Guardian

The swing away from the Liberal Democrats was 16.77%.

The Guardian

His goal was to leave Gardner no choice but to swing away.

The New York Times - Sports

The swing away from Islamists continued in legislative and presidential elections, both held in late 2014.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Michigan, with 16 electoral votes, also saw a sharp swing away from Republicans.

The Washington Post

While most children went to the plate to swing away, Johnson calmly waited for his pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

Vaas gets one to swing away from Bray, but he lives to fight another day.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swing away" when you want to encourage someone to take a bold or aggressive approach, especially in situations where hesitation might lead to missed opportunities. It is particularly suited for informal contexts.

Common error

While "swing away" is acceptable in many casual scenarios, it can sound out of place in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "take decisive action" or "proceed with determination".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "swing away" functions as an imperative or directive, urging action or a particular approach. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its function in both literal (sports) and figurative (general action) contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swing away" is a versatile phrasal verb that encourages bold and decisive action. Ludwig AI data confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While its register is generally informal, it can effectively convey a sense of urgency and motivation. Related phrases like "take action" or "begin aggressively" can provide more formal alternatives when needed. Remember to reserve "swing away" for contexts where its informal tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a swing

Focuses on the physical action of swinging, often in sports.

start swinging

Highlights the continuous nature of the action.

take action

Emphasizes the act of initiating something, removing the potential connotation to sport.

begin aggressively

Highlights the forceful and determined start.

start vigorously

Emphasizes the energetic and enthusiastic beginning.

make a forceful start

Highlights the strong and energetic nature of the beginning.

launch an attack

Implies a more combative or competitive initiation.

initiate forcefully

Focuses on the power and determination behind the beginning.

attack directly

Suggests a straightforward and uncompromising approach.

begin the assault

Implies a strong, adversarial start.

FAQs

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

You can use "swing away" to encourage someone to be bold and take action. For example, "We've planned enough; now it's time to "swing away" and implement our strategy."

What does "swing away" mean in baseball?

In baseball, "swing away" means that a batter has the green light to swing normally instead of bunting or trying to make contact in a specific way. It's an instruction to "take a swing" at the pitch.

What can I say instead of "swing away" in a professional setting?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "take action", "proceed with determination", or "implement forcefully" for a more professional tone.

Is "swing away" appropriate for academic writing?

No, "swing away" is generally too informal for academic writing. More appropriate alternatives would be "take action", "initiate forcefully", or "proceed decisively".