turning away from

USAGE SUMMARY

"turning away from" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe the act of rejecting or distancing oneself from something or someone. Example: She is turning away from negative influences in her life. Alternative expressions include "shying away from," "withdrawing from," and "departing from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What are we turning away from?

The New York Times

He's not turning away from the future.

The New York Times - Arts

"Europe will not be turning away from Yanukovich, it will be turning away from Ukraine".

The New York Times

"People are turning away from the scriptures.

The Guardian

So is Britain turning away from torture?

The Guardian

But there's no turning away from me.

The New York Times

Business school graduates are turning away from banking.

Columbia University

I thank you for turning away from violence toward peace.

Yale University

She responded by turning away from him and wandering off.

The New York Times

A turning away from the great oligarchies, the great powers.

Independent

Older people are increasingly turning away from Labour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turning away from" to clearly indicate a shift in focus, preference, or behavior. It's effective for highlighting a conscious decision to move away from something.

Common error

Avoid using "turning away from" when a simple 'avoiding' or 'rejecting' suffices. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a process of disengagement, not just a single act of refusal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turning away from" functions as a phrasal verb that typically introduces a shift or rejection of something. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely employed to signify a conscious movement away from a particular idea, practice, or object. The examples provided demonstrate its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turning away from" is a versatile phrasal verb used to express a deliberate shift or rejection. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and science. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize a conscious decision to move away from something, but avoid it when a simpler term like 'avoiding' or 'rejecting' would suffice. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distancing oneself from

Emphasizes creating emotional or social separation.

shying away from

Suggests a sense of reluctance or timidity.

withdrawing from

Implies a formal or deliberate removal.

rejecting

Focuses on a firm refusal or disapproval.

abandoning

Indicates a complete desertion or relinquishment.

eschewing

A more formal term for deliberately avoiding something.

forsaking

Implies a solemn or moral abandonment.

diverting from

Suggests a change in course or direction.

deflecting from

Emphasizes avoiding something, often an issue or question.

departing from

Indicates a deviation from a standard or norm.

FAQs

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

You can use "turning away from" to describe a deliberate change in direction or focus. For example, "The company is turning away from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy".

What are some alternatives to "turning away from"?

Alternatives include "distancing oneself from", "shying away from", or "withdrawing from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "turning away from" or "avoiding"?

"Turning away from" implies a more deliberate and conscious decision to move away from something, while "avoiding" simply means preventing contact or exposure. The best choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to say someone is "turning away from" their principles?

It means they are abandoning or rejecting the moral or ethical beliefs that they previously held. This suggests a significant shift in their values and behavior.