take time away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take time away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of stepping back from responsibilities or commitments to focus on oneself or to relax. Example: "After a hectic few months at work, I decided to take time away to recharge and reflect on my goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I hate to take time away from the beach".

The New York Times

Does this take time away from music and art?

The New Yorker

"Take time away," Mr. Branson said, "to recharge".

The New York Times - Style

Why did I take time away from my own writing to edit a new Haggadah?

The New York Times

"It's not like they purposely came up here to take time away from local kids".

The New York Times

Roddick began taking the ball early, flattening out his forehand to take time away from Nadal.

The New York Times

"I remember when we used to take time away from Glenn," Ms. Pearson said.

The New York Times

That will take time away from operatives who should be focused on Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

The 14-hour days do take time away from her family.

The New York Times

"One of Eugenie's strengths is that she plays to take time away from her opponent.

The Guardian - Sport

Is it sensible to take time away from the office if you're looking to get promoted?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take time away" to emphasize the need for temporary disengagement for rest, reflection, or personal well-being. For instance, "After the project's deadline, it's crucial to "take time away" to prevent burnout."

Common error

Avoid using "take time away" when intending to convey complete or permanent disengagement. "Take time away" implies a temporary pause, not a permanent end. For permanent disengagement, use alternatives like "quit", "retire", or "resign".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take time away" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of temporarily ceasing involvement in an activity or responsibility. Ludwig AI's examples confirm that the phrase is typically used to express the act of stepping back for a period of rest, personal reflection, or other priorities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take time away" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of temporarily disengaging from regular activities for rest, reflection, or personal needs. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, from News & Media to Science, and Wiki, albeit with subtle register variations. While "take time away" implies a temporary pause, it is crucial not to confuse it with permanent disengagement. Consider alternatives such as "take a break" or "step back" for slight differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a break

A more general term for a short period of rest or interruption from activity.

have some time off

A general way of saying that someone has a period of absence from work or other regular activities.

take a vacation

Implies a longer period of rest, usually for leisure or travel.

go on leave

Specifically suggests an authorized absence from duty or work.

step back

Focuses on the act of withdrawing from a situation or responsibility.

take a sabbatical

Refers to an extended period of leave, often from academic or professional work, for study or travel.

withdraw from

Emphasizes removing oneself from a situation or commitment.

recharge one's batteries

An idiomatic expression referring to restoring one's energy and vitality.

disengage from

Highlights a disconnection or detachment from an activity or responsibility.

absent oneself

A more formal way of saying that one is not present or available.

FAQs

What does "take time away" mean?

"Take time away" means to temporarily stop doing something, typically work or other responsibilities, in order to rest, relax, or focus on other aspects of life.

When is it appropriate to use "take time away"?

It's appropriate to use "take time away" when you want to suggest a temporary break or leave from regular activities. For example, someone might "take time away" from work to go on vacation or to deal with personal matters.

What can I say instead of "take time away"?

You can use alternatives like "take a break", "take time off", or "step back" depending on the context.

How does "take time away" differ from "take time off"?

While similar, "take time away" can imply a broader scope than just work. "Take time off" usually refers specifically to being absent from work, whereas "take time away" could refer to stepping back from any regular activity, not just employment.