# be away

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/be-away
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to be in a different place from where you usually live or work, often for a holiday or a trip.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is away to Paris." but "He is away in Paris." — use 'in' for the location of the person while they are away, not 'to'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.