What are the definitions of “stay away from”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Avoid, not come.
He told them to STAY AWAY FROM him.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stay away from”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stay away from is to avoid someone or something. It means not to go near or come close to a person, place, or situation. This can be because of danger, dislike, or any other reason.
What are the different verb forms of “stay away from”?
| Root Verb | stay away from |
| Third Person Singular Present | stays away from |
| Present Participle | staying away from |
| Simple Past | stayed away from |
| Past Participle | stayed away from |
Example
I always stay away from the edge of the cliff.
Example
She stays away from people who gossip.
Example
He is staying away from junk food to lose weight.
Example
They stayed away from the haunted house.
Example
He had stayed away from trouble all his life.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stay away from”?
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
“stay away from” 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
Please stay away from the construction site.
Example
She stayed away from the party because she was sick.
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
“stay away from” 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
Please stay away from the construction site.
Example
She stayed away from the party because she was sick.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stay away from”?
Good things to know
Does “stay away from” have an informal or formal tone?
Stay away from is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.