turn away from

USAGE SUMMARY

"turn away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a movement away from something, typically something to be avoided or rejected. For example, "He turned away from the dangers presented by the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You turn away from it.

The New York Times

That's hard to turn away from".

The New York Times

I can't turn away from it.

The New York Times - Magazine

But I turn away from the window.

The New York Times

Hawass didn't turn away from the trend.

The New Yorker

They won't turn away from a fight.

The Guardian

The head can't turn away from reality.

The New Yorker

Whatever happens — don't turn away from it".

The New York Times - Arts

They turn away from your gaze.

The Guardian - Arts

I can't turn away from an 'impossible' challenge.

Stanford University

Some of us naturally turn away from such difficult negotiations.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn away from" to indicate a deliberate choice to avoid something, whether physically, emotionally, or ideologically.

Common error

Avoid using "turn away from" when you simply mean to disagree with something. It carries a stronger sense of avoidance or rejection than mere disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn away from" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating a deliberate action of moving or distancing oneself from something, either physically or conceptually. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts of avoiding unpleasant sights or rejecting harmful behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

19%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "turn away from" is a versatile expression used to convey avoidance, rejection, or a change of direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across different registers, particularly in news, academic writing, and general discussions. When using this phrase, consider the strong connotation of avoidance it carries and ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. Remember to use it when a deliberate choice to avoid something is intended, differentiating it from simply disagreeing with something. Related phrases like "avoid", "reject" or "withdraw from" can also be viable alternatives, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid

Implies a proactive effort to keep away from something.

reject

Signifies a refusal to accept or acknowledge something.

shun

Suggests a deliberate and often ostracizing avoidance.

refuse

Indicates a firm and definite rejection.

eschew

Indicates a conscious and principled avoidance.

decline

Suggests a polite refusal or rejection.

back away from

Suggests a cautious or fearful retreat.

withdraw from

Implies a removal or retreat from involvement.

divert from

Indicates a change in direction or focus.

abandon

Implies a complete forsaking or desertion.

FAQs

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

You can use "turn away from" to describe physically moving away from something, or figuratively rejecting an idea, belief, or behavior. For example, "He had to "turn away from" the accident scene" or "Many are "turning away from" traditional politics".

What are some synonyms for "turn away from"?

Alternatives to "turn away from" include "avoid", "reject", "shun", or "withdraw from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "turn away from" something, or should I use a different preposition?

"Turn away from" is the correct and idiomatic construction. Other prepositions would change the meaning or be grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "turn away from" and "turn against"?

"Turn away from" implies avoidance or rejection, while "turn against" suggests active opposition or hostility. "Turning away from" something means you're avoiding it; "turning against" it means you're actively fighting it.