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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
what away
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "what away" is not correct and usable in written English.
It appears to be a typographical error or a misphrasing, as it does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "I don't know what away you are referring to."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Academia
Science
Alternative expressions(8)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
A phone charger, unbreakable exterior, and maximum packing space at a resonable price is what Away discovered.
News & Media
What, away from the peering eye in the sky that you apparently are?
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
On noting well what burns away, what cannot last.
What about away from competition?
News & Media
She published a memoir, What Falls Away, in 1997.
Encyclopedias
"That's what took away any surprise or shock.
News & Media
What went away?
News & Media
What are away games like?
News & Media
Panda Hugger: And what, walk away from this market?
News & Media
They know what our away record is like".
News & Media
What an away performance that was by Millwall.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "what away" in formal writing or speech due to its ungrammatical nature. Opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives.
Common error
Do not assume that combining "what" with "away" automatically forms a coherent question or statement. Ensure the sentence has a proper verb and structure to convey your intended meaning.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "what away" functions as an incomplete interrogative structure. Ludwig AI identifies it as not correct, lacking a verb and clear grammatical structure to form a proper question or statement. The examples show attempts to use it in questions, but they highlight its grammatical deficiency.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Academia
33%
Science
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "what away" is grammatically incorrect and rarely used in standard English. Ludwig AI identifies it as such, recommending clearer alternatives. While the phrase may appear in informal contexts, it is best to avoid it in formal writing and speech. Consider using alternatives like "what way" or rephrasing the sentence to ensure grammatical correctness. Despite its presence in a few online sources, including some news and academic contexts, its overall frequency remains low, and its use is generally discouraged. When assessing usage, remember clarity and correctness.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
what way
Changes the word "away" to "way", correcting the grammar while retaining a similar interrogative structure.
what is away
Adds the auxiliary verb "is" to create a grammatically correct question about something being absent.
what's gone
Focuses on the result of something disappearing, rather than the state of being away.
what's missing
Emphasizes the absence of something, highlighting a sense of lack.
what has departed
Uses a more formal term, "departed", to indicate something leaving.
what has left
Emphasizes the act of leaving, focusing on the subject that has gone.
what moved
Shifts the focus to movement, implying displacement from a location.
what disappeared
Highlights the sudden or mysterious vanishing of something.
what vanished
Similar to "disappeared", but often carries a stronger sense of complete absence.
what's been removed
Emphasizes the action of taking something away, often implying an external force.
FAQs
How can I correct the phrase "what away" in a sentence?
You can correct "what away" by using phrases like "what way", "what is away", or restructuring the sentence to use a more grammatically correct alternative.
What does "what away" mean, and why is it considered incorrect?
"What away" doesn't have a clear or recognized meaning in standard English. It lacks a verb and proper sentence structure, making it grammatically incorrect.
Are there specific contexts where "what away" might be acceptable?
The phrase "what away" is generally not acceptable in any formal context. It might appear in informal speech or writing as a mistake, but it's not a standard expression.
What are some alternatives to "what away" that maintain a similar meaning or intent?
Depending on the intended meaning, alternatives could include "what is gone", "what is missing", or phrases that rephrase the question or statement for clarity.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested