What are the definitions of “be away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be elsewhere; on holiday, etc..
She's AWAY on business for three weeks.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “be away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb be away is to be somewhere else, usually on a trip, vacation, or business. It means that someone is not at their usual location or home.
What are the different verb forms of “be away”?
| Root Verb | be away |
| Third Person Singular Present | is away |
| Present Participle | being away |
| Simple Past | was away |
| Past Participle | been away |
Example
I will be away on vacation next week.
Example
She is away on a business trip.
Example
He enjoys being away from the office for a few days.
Example
He was away for two weeks last month.
Example
They have been away since last Friday.
What kind of phrasal verb is “be away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“be away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She is away on vacation.
Example
He was away on a business trip.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“be away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She is away on vacation.
Example
He was away on a business trip.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “be away”?
Be away from
To be at a distance from something or someone.
Example
I like to be away from the city noise when I'm on vacation.
Be away for
To be absent for a specific period of time.
Example
He will be away for three weeks on a work assignment.
Be away on
To be absent due to a specific reason, such as a trip or event.
Example
She is away on a conference and will return next week.
Good things to know
Does “be away” have an informal or formal tone?
Be away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business emails or presentations.
