away
To be at a distance from a particular person, place, or thing. It is also used to indicate movement towards a different place or to describe being absent from a location.
Examples
3 of 5The nearest bus stop is ten minutes away.
The closest place to catch a bus is at a distance of ten minutes.
Please ensure all hazardous materials are kept away from the laboratory entrance.
Make sure dangerous items are placed at a distance from the lab door.
I'm going away for the weekend to relax.
I am leaving my home for the weekend to have a break.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'A' as 'At a distance' and 'Way' as the 'road' leading there.
Quick Quiz
I need to throw ___ these old newspapers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: away
Examples
The nearest bus stop is ten minutes away.
everydayThe closest place to catch a bus is at a distance of ten minutes.
Please ensure all hazardous materials are kept away from the laboratory entrance.
formalMake sure dangerous items are placed at a distance from the lab door.
I'm going away for the weekend to relax.
informalI am leaving my home for the weekend to have a break.
The data suggests that the galaxy is moving away from the observer.
academicThe information shows the group of stars is increasing its distance from the person watching.
Our CEO is currently away on a business trip in Tokyo.
businessThe company leader is not here because they are traveling for work in Tokyo.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
give it away
to tell a secret or provide something for free
miles away
thinking about something else and not paying attention
pass away
a polite way to say someone has died
Often Confused With
'Away' (one word) is an adverb meaning at a distance; 'a way' (two words) refers to a path or a method.
Usage Notes
Away is frequently used after verbs of movement (like run, walk, or go) or as part of phrasal verbs. It is also used with units of measurement to describe how far something is.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to include 'away' when describing distance, saying 'The shop is five miles' instead of 'The shop is five miles away.'
Memory Tip
Think of the 'A' as 'At a distance' and 'Way' as the 'road' leading there.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'aweg', which comes from 'on' (on) and 'weg' (way), literally meaning 'on one's way'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In sports terminology, an 'away' game or team refers to the team playing at their opponent's stadium rather than their own.
Quick Quiz
I need to throw ___ these old newspapers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: away
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
subposful
C1Characterized by having an underlying purpose or a secondary, subtle intention that supports a main goal. It describes actions, statements, or strategies that contain a hidden layer of meaning or a subordinate objective that is not immediately obvious.
abcognacy
C1The state of being unaware or lacking knowledge about a specific subject, situation, or fact. It describes a condition of non-recognition or a gap in cognitive awareness, often used in technical or specialized academic contexts.
transdynary
C1A noun denoting a person or entity that bridges, operates across, or transcends multiple dynamic systems, power structures, or cycles of influence. It describes a connector who facilitates transitions and maintains stability while navigating between distinct, often conflicting, organizational or social hierarchies.
recredive
C1A person who yields, backslides, or returns to a previous undesirable habit or state of mind. In specialized or archaic contexts, it refers to an individual who recants their beliefs or fails to uphold a commitment.
obdomance
C1Characterized by an unyielding, persistent, and often stubborn refusal to change one's opinion, position, or course of action. It describes a state of being firmly resistant to external influence or logical persuasion.
adpulsward
C1A technical or archaic term referring to a directional movement, inclination, or pull toward a central pulsating source or point of attraction. It describes the state of being driven forward or inward toward a specific impulse or signal.
underlaudency
C1To fail to provide sufficient praise, recognition, or acclaim to an achievement or individual that deserves significantly more credit. This verb describes the act of downplaying or neglecting the merit of a noteworthy contribution.
semifidor
C1Describes an individual or entity that exhibits only partial loyalty or a hesitant, non-committal stance toward a cause or person. It implies a state of being cautiously supportive without offering full commitment or total trust.
oververbery
C1Describes language, writing, or speech that is excessively wordy or redundant to the point of being tedious. It refers to the habit of using more words than necessary, often obscuring the intended message with unnecessary fluff.
hypertheist
C1To attribute an absolute or extreme divine status to a person, concept, or entity, often exceeding the boundaries of traditional religious belief. It describes the act of elevating a subject to the level of a supreme, all-encompassing deity.
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