Phrasal verb
be away
Meanings
to be absent from a place; not present because you are somewhere else
to be on a trip or holiday; to be out of town for a period of time
Definition
“Be away” means to not be in your usual place because you are elsewhere, often for a short time.
“Be away” is used to say someone is not at home, not at work, or not available because they are in another place. It often implies the absence is temporary, like on a trip, on vacation, or out of the office. People use it in everyday speech to explain why someone can’t be seen or reached right now.
Examples
- I’ll be away next week, so please email me instead of calling.
- She is away from her desk right now, but she’ll be back after lunch.
- They were away all weekend, and the apartment was completely quiet.
- Our manager is away on business, so the meeting has been postponed.
Common mistake
Learners often say “I am away to London” instead of the natural “I am away in London” or “I am away (from home) in London.”
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.