Using the word “away” in a sentence may seem simple, but its versatility and multiple meanings make it an intriguing word to explore. Whether you are a native English speaker or learning English as a second language, understanding how to use “away” correctly can enhance your writing and communication skills. In this article, we will delve into the different ways to use “away” in a sentence, providing examples and explanations to help you grasp its nuances.
The proper way to use “away” in a sentence depends on its intended meaning and the context in which it is used. “Away” can function as an adverb, adjective, or noun, each with its own distinct usage. As an adverb, “away” often indicates movement or distance from a particular place or person. It can also convey a sense of separation or absence. When used as an adjective, “away” describes something that is not present or is in a different location. As a noun, “away” refers to a distant place or a period of time spent elsewhere.
Now, let’s explore the various ways in which “away” can be employed in different sentence structures and contexts.
Definition Of Away
The word “away” is a versatile adverb that is commonly used in the English language. It is derived from the Middle English word “aweigh,” which means “onward” or “in motion.” Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various meanings and contexts, making it an essential component of everyday communication.
Basic Definition Of “Away”
At its core, “away” denotes a physical or metaphorical distance from a particular place or situation. It implies movement or separation, indicating that someone or something is not present in a specific location. When used in this sense, “away” conveys the idea of being at a distance or removed from a particular point of reference.
For example, consider the sentence: “She walked away from the crowd.” Here, “away” emphasizes the direction in which the person moved, indicating that they distanced themselves from the group.
Historical Evolution
The historical evolution of the word “away” is not particularly significant, as its usage has remained relatively consistent throughout the centuries. However, its etymology can be traced back to the Middle English period, where it was derived from the phrase “on weg” or “on way.” This phrase eventually transformed into “aweigh,” which then became “away.”
Different Meanings In Different Contexts
While the fundamental definition of “away” revolves around distance and separation, its usage can vary depending on the context in which it is employed. Here are a few examples of how “away” can take on different meanings:
- Absence: In certain contexts, “away” can indicate the absence of someone or something. For instance, “The teacher is away today” implies that the teacher is not present or available.
- Motion: “Away” can also convey the idea of movement or action. For example, “The car sped away” suggests that the vehicle moved rapidly in a particular direction.
- Time: In some cases, “away” can refer to a period of time. For instance, “He will be away for a week” implies that the person will be absent or unavailable for the duration of seven days.
- Removal: Additionally, “away” can indicate the removal or elimination of something. For example, “She threw the old clothes away” suggests that the clothes were discarded or disposed of.
These are just a few examples of the diverse ways in which “away” can be used in different contexts. Its versatility allows for nuanced expressions and precise communication, making it an indispensable part of the English language.
How To Properly Use Away In A Sentence
When it comes to using the word “away” in a sentence, there are certain grammatical rules that need to be followed to ensure clarity and accuracy. Understanding these rules will not only help you communicate effectively but also showcase your command of the English language. In this section, we will delve into the grammatical nuances of using “away” and explore its various parts of speech.
Grammatical Rules Surrounding “Away”
1. Adverbial Use: The most common function of “away” is as an adverb, which modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. As an adverb, “away” indicates movement or distance from a particular place or person. For example:
- She walked away from the crowd, seeking solitude.
- The car sped away, leaving a trail of dust behind.
- He gazed wistfully at the sunset, lost in thoughts that carried him away.
2. Noun Use: Although less frequent, “away” can also function as a noun, typically in idiomatic expressions. In these cases, it often refers to a place or a state of absence. Here are a few examples:
- She dreamt of a faraway place where worries were left far behind.
- He longed for a getaway, a chance to escape the chaos of everyday life.
- The team’s victory was a milestone on their journey to success, a step closer to their ultimate goal.
Parts Of Speech For “Away”
While “away” primarily functions as an adverb or a noun, it is worth noting that it can also be part of other parts of speech, depending on its usage within a sentence. Here are a few examples:
| Part of Speech | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Verb | She had to away the clutter before guests arrived. |
| Adjective | The away team faced a challenging match in hostile territory. |
| Preposition | He stood away from the edge, cautious of the steep drop. |
By understanding the various parts of speech “away” can assume, you can effectively incorporate it into your writing, adding depth and precision to your sentences.
In conclusion, “away” serves as a versatile word in the English language, capable of functioning as an adverb, noun, verb, adjective, or preposition, depending on its context. Adhering to the grammatical rules discussed here will empower you to use “away” confidently and effectively in your writing, allowing you to convey your thoughts with precision and clarity.
Examples Of Using Away In A Sentence
When it comes to incorporating the word “away” into our sentences, it’s essential to understand its various contexts and nuances. By utilizing a mix of simple and complex sentences, we can explore the versatility of this word and showcase its multiple meanings. Let’s delve into some examples:
1. Physical Distance:
- “She walked away from the crowd, seeking solitude.”
- “The children ran away from the approaching thunderstorm.”
- “He threw the ball away, hoping to avoid an interception.”
In these examples, “away” signifies physical distance or movement. It indicates the act of moving or being in a different location, away from a particular point or person.
2. Time Or Duration:
- “She will be away on vacation for two weeks.”
- “He worked tirelessly, never taking a day off, until he passed away.”
- “The store is closed today, but it will be back in business right away.”
Here, “away” denotes a specific period or duration. It can refer to being absent, unavailable, or the passing of time.
3. Emotion Or Mental State:
- “Her mind drifted away, lost in nostalgic memories.”
- “He couldn’t take his eyes away from the breathtaking sunset.”
- “The soothing music helped him drift away into a peaceful sleep.”
In these sentences, “away” expresses an emotional or mental state. It reflects being absorbed, captivated, or mentally detached from the immediate surroundings.
4. Removal Or Elimination:
- “She threw away the old, worn-out shoes.”
- “The therapist advised him to stay away from toxic relationships.”
- “The detective managed to scare the thief away from the crime scene.”
Here, “away” implies removing or eliminating something. It can indicate discarding, avoiding, or causing something or someone to be absent.
5. Achievement Or Progress:
- “She worked hard and eventually fought her way to the top, never backing away from a challenge.”
- “He saved up enough money to put away for his dream vacation.”
- “The team is steadily inching away from their competitors in the league standings.”
Lastly, “away” can convey achievement, progress, or accumulation. It suggests making advancements, saving, or distancing oneself from others in a competitive sense.
By exploring these examples, we can see the wide range of ways in which “away” can be utilized in a sentence. Whether it’s indicating physical distance, time, emotions, removal, or achievement, this versatile word adds depth and clarity to our language.
Edge Cases Or Things To Consider
When it comes to using the word “away” in a sentence, there are a few common mistakes that people often make. It’s important to be aware of these errors to ensure clear and effective communication. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the usage of “away” can vary across different cultural or regional contexts, adding an interesting layer of complexity to its application.
Common Mistakes People Make When Using Away
1. Overusing “away” as a generic adverb:
One common mistake is the tendency to use “away” as a catch-all adverb without considering its specific meaning in the given context. While “away” can indeed convey the idea of distance or removal, it is crucial to use it judiciously and appropriately. Overusing “away” can dilute its impact and make the sentence less precise.
Incorrect: “He ran away from the scene away.”
Correct: “He quickly fled the scene.”
2. Confusing “away” with “far away”:
Another mistake is using “away” interchangeably with “far away,” assuming they convey the same meaning. However, “away” simply suggests a sense of distance or separation, while “far away” emphasizes a greater degree of distance. It is important to distinguish between the two to ensure accurate communication.
Incorrect: “The nearest grocery store is away from my house.”
Correct: “The nearest grocery store is far away from my house.”
Cultural Or Regional Differences
It is fascinating to observe how the usage of “away” can differ across various cultural or regional contexts. Different societies may have unique idiomatic expressions or linguistic nuances associated with this word. Understanding these differences can enhance cross-cultural communication and foster a deeper appreciation for the richness of language.
1. British English vs. American English:
In British English, the word “away” is often used in phrases like “go away” or “run away” to mean leaving or departing. On the other hand, American English tends to use expressions like “go off” or “take off” to convey a similar sense of departure. These subtle variations reflect the distinct linguistic traditions and cultural influences of each region.
2. Idiomatic expressions:
Many idiomatic expressions involving “away” exist in different languages and cultures. For example, in English, we have phrases like “throw away,” “give away,” or “get away with.” These expressions have specific meanings that may not be immediately apparent to non-native speakers. Familiarizing oneself with these idioms can greatly enhance language proficiency and facilitate effective communication.
| Idiomatic Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Throw away | To discard or dispose of something |
| Give away | To donate or give something for free |
| Get away with | To escape punishment or consequences |
By being mindful of these cultural and regional differences, we can ensure accurate and effective usage of “away” in our sentences, promoting clearer communication and fostering better understanding between individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Synonyms Or Alternates To Use
When it comes to expressing the concept of “away” in a sentence, there are several synonyms or alternate words that can be used to convey a similar meaning. Each of these alternatives carries its own nuances, allowing for a more precise and varied use of language. Let’s explore four such synonyms and their subtle differences in meaning and usage:
1. Off
The word “off” serves as a versatile substitute for “away” in many contexts. It implies a sense of separation or detachment from a particular place or object. However, unlike “away,” “off” often suggests a more immediate or temporary state of removal.
Example: She took the book off the shelf and handed it to me.
Preferred context: When emphasizing a physical disconnection or immediate removal.
2. Far
Similar to “away,” the term “far” denotes distance or remoteness from a given point. However, “far” tends to emphasize a greater degree of spatial separation and can be used to convey a sense of distance in both physical and metaphorical senses.
Example: The sound of laughter echoed from far away.
Preferred context: When emphasizing a considerable physical or metaphorical distance.
3. Apart
“Apart” is a synonym for “away” that emphasizes a sense of being separated or isolated from something or someone. It implies a distinct and often deliberate separation, highlighting a clear distinction or division.
Example: They decided to live apart for a while to gain some perspective.
Preferred context: When emphasizing intentional separation or a clear division between entities.
4. Absent
“Absent” is a synonym for “away” that specifically conveys the notion of being physically or mentally missing or not present. It implies a lack or absence of someone or something.
Example: His mind was absent during the meeting, and he missed important details.
Preferred context: When emphasizing a lack or absence of presence, either physically or mentally.
Related Phrases Or Idioms
When it comes to incorporating the word “away” into phrases or idioms, the English language offers a plethora of interesting expressions that add color and depth to our conversations. Let’s explore some of these phrases and idioms, along with their meanings and example sentences:
1. Run Away With
Meaning: To become overly enthusiastic or carried away with something.
Example: She ran away with the idea of starting her own business and worked tirelessly to make it a reality.
2. Give Away
Meaning: To distribute or hand out something as a gift or for free.
Example: The company decided to give away free samples of their new product to generate interest among potential customers.
3. Take Away
Meaning: To remove or subtract something from a situation or equation.
Example: The criticism he received took away from his confidence and made him doubt his abilities.
4. Fade Away
Meaning: To gradually disappear or become less noticeable over time.
Example: The memories of that summer vacation slowly faded away as the years went by.
5. Put Away
Meaning: To tidy up or store something in its designated place.
Example: After dinner, she diligently put away the dishes and wiped down the kitchen counters.
6. Get Away With
Meaning: To escape punishment or consequences for a wrongdoing.
Example: He thought he could get away with cheating on the test, but the teacher eventually caught him.
7. Throw Away
Meaning: To discard or dispose of something, usually because it is no longer useful or needed.
Example: Instead of throwing away old clothes, consider donating them to a local charity.
8. Sail Away
Meaning: To embark on a journey by boat or ship, often for relaxation or exploration.
Example: They decided to sail away to a secluded island for their honeymoon.
9. Pass Away
Meaning: To die or cease to exist.
Example: Sadly, her beloved grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep.
10. Stay Away From
Meaning: To avoid or keep a distance from someone or something.
Example: The doctor advised her to stay away from sugary foods to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
These phrases and idioms provide us with a rich tapestry of language, allowing us to express ourselves more effectively and creatively. Incorporating them into our conversations can add depth and nuance to our communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to use “away” correctly in a sentence is essential for effective communication. By using this word appropriately, you can convey a sense of direction, distance, and separation in your writing or speech. Incorrect usage of “away” can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, hindering the clarity of your message.
To ensure you are using “away” correctly, it is crucial to grasp its various meanings and contexts. Remember that “away” can function as an adverb, adjective, or noun, depending on the sentence structure and intended message. Take the time to familiarize yourself with its different forms and usage patterns.
Additionally, practicing using “away” in your own sentences can help solidify your understanding and mastery of this word. Consider incorporating it into your daily conversations, writing exercises, or even journal entries. The more you actively engage with the word, the more natural and confident you will become in using it correctly.
By consistently using “away” accurately, you will enhance the quality of your writing and effectively convey your intended meaning. Remember, precision in language is key to effective communication, and mastering the usage of “away” is a valuable skill that will benefit you in various contexts.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.