walking away

USAGE SUMMARY

"walking away" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as a verb phrase to describe someone physically leaving a situation or place. Example: Sarah couldn't handle the argument any longer, so she turned around and started walking away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm not walking away.

Independent

Can you imagine walking away?

The New York Times

The women are walking away.

The New Yorker

"He was walking away".

The New York Times

I considered walking away.

The Guardian

No footsteps walking away.

The Guardian - Books

Walking away holding a stranger's hand?

The New York Times

"I just felt like walking away".

The New York Times - Books

"I'm not walking away from that".

The New York Times

The doctor, who was walking away, turned.

The New Yorker

"They are just walking away".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "walking away" to describe a physical departure from a situation, but also to convey a metaphorical abandonment of an idea, responsibility, or relationship. Be mindful of the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "walking away" when a temporary pause or break is intended. "Taking a break" or "stepping aside" might be more appropriate if the departure is not permanent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "walking away" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun. As evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis, this phrase describes the act of physically or metaphorically departing from a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

12%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "walking away" is a versatile gerund phrase, generally considered grammatically correct and very common in the English language. It describes the action of departing or disengaging from a situation, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI's assessment and the examples highlight its frequent use in news and media, but also its presence in wiki-style and general conversation. When using this phrase, consider the intended nuance and whether a more formal alternative like "withdrawing" is more appropriate. Be mindful of the implication of permanence; if the departure is temporary, other phrases might be better suited. Ultimately, "walking away" is a powerful and common way to convey a decision to leave or abandon a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaving

Focuses on the act of departure without necessarily implying a specific manner of movement.

quitting

Focuses on the act of abandoning something completely and definitively.

withdrawing

Implies a pulling back or retreat from something, often involving a formal decision.

disengaging

Suggests a deliberate separation from a situation or relationship.

departing

A more formal term for leaving, often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

abandoning

Implies leaving something behind without intending to return.

backing out

Implies a reversal of a previous commitment or agreement.

exiting

Suggests a transition from one state or location to another, often in a performance or program.

bowing out

Suggests a graceful or planned departure, often to make way for someone else.

retiring

Suggests leaving a position or activity, often due to age or completion of a task.

FAQs

How can I use "walking away" in a sentence?

You can use "walking away" to describe physically leaving a place, or metaphorically abandoning a situation. For example, "He was tired of arguing and ended up "walking away"." or "She decided that "walking away" from the deal was the best option".

What phrases are similar to "walking away"?

Similar phrases include "leaving", "departing", "withdrawing", or "quitting", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "walking away" formal or informal?

"Walking away" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "withdrawing" might be preferable in certain situations.

When should I not use "walking away"?

Avoid using "walking away" if the departure is temporary or if you intend to return. In such cases, phrases like "stepping aside" or "taking a break" might be more appropriate.