English Reference

Phrasal verb

move away

Definition

phrasal verb. to leave the place where you live and go to live in a different area or city.

phrasal verb. To relocate one's permanent residence to a different town, city, or region. This phrasal verb is intransitive when used in the context of relocation.

Examples

“My best friend is going to move away next month.”

“After graduating from university, many students move away from their hometowns to find better job opportunities in the city.”

“The local economy suffered significantly when several major employers decided to move away, leaving hundreds of residents without stable income.”

Examples

simple

“My best friend is going to move away next month.”

contextual

“After graduating from university, many students move away from their hometowns to find better job opportunities in the city.”

complex

“The local economy suffered significantly when several major employers decided to move away, leaving hundreds of residents without stable income.”

Usage

Usually used without an object, often followed by 'from' or 'to'.

Teaching tip

Distinguish between 'move away' (leaving a town or area) and 'move out' (leaving a specific house or apartment).

Pitfall

He moved away his hometown.

He moved away from his hometown.

The preposition 'from' is necessary to indicate the place being left behind.

Phrasal verb

Particles

away

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

move + away

Synonyms

leavedepartrelocate

Antonyms

stayremainsettle

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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