# move away

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/move-away
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He moved away his hometown." but "He moved away from his hometown." — The preposition 'from' is necessary to indicate the place being left behind.

## Usage notes

- 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).

---

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.