English Reference

Phrasal verb

going away

Definition

phrasal verb. to leave your home for a period of time, especially for a holiday or a trip. You use this when you are planning to be absent for a few days or weeks.

phrasal verb. to depart from one's home or usual place of residence for a period, typically for leisure or travel. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

Examples

“We are going away for the weekend.”

“They are going away to the mountains next week to escape the summer heat.”

“After months of relentless work, the couple decided that going away to a remote coastal village was the only way to truly disconnect and recharge.”

Examples

simple

“We are going away for the weekend.”

contextual

“They are going away to the mountains next week to escape the summer heat.”

complex

“After months of relentless work, the couple decided that going away to a remote coastal village was the only way to truly disconnect and recharge.”

Usage

often followed by 'for' to show duration or 'to' to show the destination.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'leaving' which focuses on the point of departure; 'going away' emphasizes the period of absence from home.

Pitfall

I am going away to home.

I am going home.

the phrase implies leaving home, so it is logically incompatible with 'home' as a destination.

Phrasal verb

Particles

away

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

go + away

Synonyms

leavingdepartingtaking a tripvacationing

Antonyms

stayingremainingreturning

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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