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Phrasal verbs "stay away from" vs "stay off"

Differences between stay away from and stay off

Stay away from means to keep a distance from someone or something, usually because it's dangerous or harmful. On the other hand, stay off means to avoid using or doing something.

Meanings and Definitions: stay away from vs stay off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Stay away from

  • 1Avoid, not come.

    He told them to STAY AWAY FROM him.

Stay off

  • 1To not go to or be absent from work.

    I daren’t stay off work.

  • 2To remain at a lower weight or level.

    Let’s make sure those pounds stay off.

  • 3Avoid or refrain from.

    The best advice is to stay off alcohol altogether.

Usage Examples: stay away from, stay off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

stay away from

Example

I always stay away from the edge of the cliff.

Example

She stays away from people who gossip.

stay off

Example

I decided to stay off social media for a week.

Example

She stays off caffeine to avoid feeling jittery.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay away from

keep clear of

To avoid or stay away from someone or something that may be harmful or unpleasant.

Example

She always keeps clear of the neighborhood park at night because it's not safe.

steer clear of

To avoid or stay away from someone or something that may cause problems or difficulties.

Example

He decided to steer clear of his ex-girlfriend's party to avoid any awkward situations.

avoid like the plague

To stay away from someone or something completely, usually because it's dangerous or unpleasant.

Example

She avoids horror movies like the plague because they give her nightmares.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay off

abstain from

To refrain from using or doing something, usually because it's harmful or unhealthy.

Example

He decided to abstain from alcohol for a month to improve his health.

keep away from

To avoid or stay away from someone or something that may be harmful or unpleasant.

Example

She always keeps away from junk food to maintain a healthy diet.

refrain from

To avoid or stop oneself from doing something, usually because it's inappropriate or impolite.

Example

He had to refrain from laughing during the serious meeting to show respect to his colleagues.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “stay”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in stay away from vs stay off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: stay away from or stay off?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but stay away from is more frequently used than stay off. This is because stay away from is often used to warn someone about potential danger, while stay off is used for more specific situations like staying off drugs or staying off social media.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of stay away from and stay off

Both stay away from and stay off are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of stay away from and stay off

The tone of stay away from and stay off can differ based on context. Stay away from often carries a warning or protective tone when related to avoiding danger, while stay off typically has a more neutral tone, especially when referring to avoiding certain activities or substances.

stay away from & stay off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Stay away from

Synonyms

Antonyms

Stay off

Synonyms

Antonyms

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