very away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very away" is not correct and not usable in written English.
It does not convey a clear meaning and is not a standard expression in English. Example: "I feel very away from home right now."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ballet was very away from all of that, but very recently we seem to have broken down those barriers.

The New York Times - Arts

But because it is surrounded by water, its bayberry smells are all the sweeter, its hills afford the most astonishing of views, and the small grape arbor that stands near the ferry dock seems to be welcoming visitors into a world with a touch of magic -- one that feels very "away".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It seemed very far away.

The New York Times - Travel

The Bolsheviks were very far away.

The New York Times

Oh not very far away.

The Guardian

Sochi feels very far away.

The Guardian - Opinion

The West Coast seemed very far away.

Columbia University

Ayia Napa seems very far away indeed.

The Guardian - Travel

Some come from very far away.

The New York Times

His flat gaze gave very little away.

The New Yorker

But Miranda is never very far away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "very away" in formal writing. Opt for more standard alternatives like "far away" or "quite distant" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

The word "away" functions primarily as an adverb or part of a phrasal verb, not as an adjective that can be directly modified by "very". To describe distance, use "far" instead, which readily combines with "very" to form "very far".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very away" is intended to function as an adverbial modifier, aiming to emphasize a state of being distant or removed. However, according to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically incorrect. Standard English prefers phrases like "very far away" to convey this meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "very away" appears in some published sources, it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's better to use alternatives like "very far away" or "quite distant" to express distance or remoteness. Although the phrase surfaces in contexts such as News & Media and Academia, its rarity and questionable grammatical standing suggest avoiding it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more conventional expressions to ensure clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very far away

This is a standard and grammatically correct way to express that something is a great distance from a particular point.

quite distant

Emphasizes the separation between two points, focusing on the considerable space between them.

considerably removed

Highlights the act of something being taken or placed apart, often in a metaphorical or abstract sense.

significantly apart

Focuses on the state of being separated, emphasizing the degree of separation.

a great distance

A noun phrase that refers to a considerable measure of spatial separation.

remotely located

Describes something situated in an isolated or distant place.

well beyond

Indicates something exists past a certain limit or boundary, implying separation.

far-off

Adjectival description emphasizing remoteness and distance.

widely separated

Highlights the significant space dividing elements.

at arm's length

Suggests a deliberate distancing, either physically or emotionally.

FAQs

Is "very away" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "very away" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use alternatives like "very far away" or "quite distant".

What does "very away" mean?

While not grammatically standard, "very away" seems intended to express a sense of distance or remoteness. However, this is not a common or clear way to convey that idea. Using "very far away" is much clearer.

How can I use "far away" correctly in a sentence?

You can use "far away" to describe a physical distance, like "The island is very far away from the mainland." You can also use it metaphorically, like "The thought of failing the exam was very far away from her mind."

What are some alternatives to saying something is "very far away"?

Depending on the context, you could say it's "quite distant", "remotely located", or "a great distance". Each of these carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your meaning.