to walk away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to walk away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate leaving a situation or relationship, often implying a decision to disengage or not participate further. Example: "After much consideration, she decided to walk away from the toxic relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To walk away.

The New Yorker

I start to walk away.

The New Yorker

Fransson started to walk away.

The New York Times - Sports

Rock started to walk away.

The New Yorker

He began to walk away.

The New Yorker

"He decided to walk away.

The New York Times - Tech

Another reason to walk away.

The New York Times - Sports

I started to walk away.

The New Yorker

Then we started to walk away.

The New Yorker

It was time to walk away".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it's hard to walk away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to walk away" to convey a sense of agency and decision-making in leaving a situation, rather than a mere departure. For instance, "He chose to walk away from the negotiation" implies a deliberate choice to disengage.

Common error

Avoid using "to walk away" when a simpler verb like "leave" or "depart" suffices. "To walk away" often implies a conscious decision to disengage from a problematic or complex situation, not just a physical movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to walk away" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes an action of leaving a situation, often implying a deliberate decision or disengagement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to walk away" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of deliberately leaving a situation, often implying a conscious decision to disengage. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news, media, and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using "to walk away", ensure that it accurately reflects a choice to disengage from a complex or problematic situation, rather than a mere departure. Alternatives include "to leave", "to withdraw", and "to disengage", each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to leave

A more general term for departing; lacks the implication of a decision or conflict inherent in "to walk away".

to withdraw

Emphasizes a formal removal or retreat from involvement.

to disengage

Highlights a detachment or separation, often in a strategic or calculated manner.

to back out

Implies a retraction from a commitment or agreement.

to step aside

Suggests a relinquishing of a position or role.

to bow out

Conveys a graceful or voluntary exit.

to pull back

Indicates a reduction of involvement or investment.

to opt out

Highlights the act of choosing not to participate.

to quit

Suggests abruptly ceasing participation or employment.

to abandon

Implies leaving something or someone behind, often in a difficult situation.

FAQs

What does it mean to "walk away" from something?

To "walk away" means to leave a situation or relationship intentionally, typically because it is undesirable or no longer beneficial. It suggests a deliberate decision to disengage.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "to walk away"?

Use "to walk away" when you want to emphasize the act of deliberately leaving a situation, especially when it involves conflict, difficulty, or a conscious choice to disengage rather than persist.

What are some alternatives to "to walk away"?

You can use alternatives like "to leave", "to withdraw", or "to disengage", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "to walk away" and "to run away"?

Yes, while both involve leaving a situation, "to walk away" implies a more reasoned and controlled decision, whereas "to run away" suggests a hasty or fearful escape. Consider the degree of deliberation and the emotional state when choosing between the two.