to move away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to move away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of physically relocating from a place or emotionally distancing oneself from a situation or relationship. Example: "After years of living in the city, I decided it was time to move away to a quieter town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To move away.

The New York Times

I just want to move away".

The New York Times - Books

I had to move away.

The Guardian

She wanted to move away".

The New York Times - Books

There's no real reason to move away".

Independent

They want you to move away.

The New York Times - Science

None of them want to move away.

The New York Times

"We didn't want to move away".

The New York Times

I wanted to move away from metaphors.

The Guardian - Music

And we wanted to move away from that.

Cornell University

Some decide to move away at some point.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to move away", consider whether you want to emphasize the physical relocation or the emotional distancing. Choose synonyms like "relocate" or "distance oneself" for greater precision.

Common error

Be clear whether "to move away" signifies physical relocation or emotional detachment. If physical relocation is intended, but it's not clear from the context, use more specific language like "relocate" or "emigrate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to move away" functions as an infinitive, often used to express intention, purpose, or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. It can indicate physical relocation or emotional distancing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to move away" is a versatile phrase that can denote both physical relocation and emotional or conceptual distancing. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. While generally neutral in register, its specific meaning depends on the surrounding words. Consider alternatives like "to relocate" or "to distance oneself" for enhanced clarity. Being mindful of ambiguity ensures effective communication. By exploring its usage patterns and possible substitutions, you can confidently incorporate "to move away" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to relocate

Focuses specifically on changing the place of residence or business.

to go away

A simpler, more general term for leaving a place.

to transfer elsewhere

Emphasizes moving to a different location, often in a professional setting.

to depart

Implies a formal or permanent leaving, potentially of a place or situation.

to move on

Often used to suggest leaving behind a past situation or relationship.

to distance oneself

Refers to emotional or social separation, not necessarily physical movement.

to pull up stakes

An idiomatic expression for leaving a place where one has lived or worked for a long time.

to take off

Suggests a quick or sudden departure.

to clear out

Implies a complete and often hurried departure.

to shift direction

Implies changing course or focus, not necessarily physical location.

FAQs

What does "to move away" mean?

The phrase "to move away" can refer to physically relocating from a place or distancing oneself emotionally or conceptually from something.

How can I use "to move away" in a sentence?

You can use "to move away" in various contexts, such as "They decided to move away from the city" or "The company is trying to move away from traditional marketing methods".

What can I say instead of "to move away"?

Alternatives include "to relocate" for physical moves, "to distance oneself" for emotional detachment, or "to depart" for a formal leaving.

Is it correct to say "move away from"?

Yes, it's correct. The phrase "move away from" often indicates a shift or transition, as in "We need to move away from fossil fuels."