Phrasal verb
be away
Definition
phrasal verb. to be in a different place from where you usually live or work, often for a holiday or a trip.
phrasal verb. to be absent from a habitual location, such as one's home or place of employment, for a period of time.
Examples
“I will be away on holiday next week.”
“The manager is away on business until Friday, so please contact his assistant for urgent matters.”
“While the homeowners were away for the winter, a neighbor checked the property daily to ensure the pipes did not freeze.”
Examples
simple
“I will be away on holiday next week.”
contextual
“The manager is away on business until Friday, so please contact his assistant for urgent matters.”
complex
“While the homeowners were away for the winter, a neighbor checked the property daily to ensure the pipes did not freeze.”
Usage
often followed by 'on' plus the reason for the absence, such as 'on business' or 'on holiday'.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'go away' (the action of leaving) versus 'be away' (the state of being absent); it is a stative phrasal verb.
Pitfall
He is away to Paris.
He is away in Paris.
use 'in' for the location of the person while they are away, not 'to'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
be + away
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/be-away