go away

leave a place or person

A2

What does "go away" mean?

Go away has two main meanings. First, it means to leave a place or person, often for a period of time — for example, going on holiday or spending a few days somewhere else. Second, it means that something stops existing or being noticeable — like a headache that disappears, or a problem that is no longer there. Both meanings are very common in everyday English. One important thing to know is that 'go away' always works without an object — the pain goes away, not 'go away the pain'. The imperative 'Go away!' is used to tell someone to leave, but it can sound quite rude, so use it carefully.

Examples

How to use it

subject + go away (+ time/place phrase)

The most common pattern — a person leaves for a period of time or to a specific place.

My parents went away for the weekend and left me at home.

go away on + trip/holiday

Use this pattern when saying someone goes somewhere for a leisure trip or journey.

We're going away on holiday next month.

thing + go away

When something such as a pain, feeling, or problem stops existing or being noticeable, it is the subject.

I waited a few hours, but the stomachache didn't go away.

make + thing + go away

Use this causative structure when someone or something causes a problem or feeling to disappear.

Listening to music helps make my stress go away.

go away and + verb

Use this to tell someone to leave and then do something, or to suggest taking time to think or act.

Go away and think about it, then let me know your answer.

Common Collocations

go away on holidaygo away for the weekendpain goes awayproblem goes awayheadache goes awaysymptoms go away

Common Mistakes

Adding an object after 'go away'

'Go away' has no object — you cannot put a noun or pronoun after it. To express that you caused something to disappear, use the causative structure 'make [something] go away' instead.

✗ I tried to go away the smell.
✓ I tried to make the smell go away.
Confusing 'go away' with 'get away'

'Get away' often suggests escaping from something difficult or finding time to leave when it is hard to do so. 'Go away' is more neutral and simply means leaving or something disappearing.

✗ I was so busy at work — I couldn't go away for even one afternoon.
✓ I was so busy at work — I couldn't get away for even one afternoon.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral and works in both spoken and written English. The imperative 'Go away!' can sound rude or harsh, so use it carefully in social situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'go away' describe a person leaving AND a problem disappearing?

Yes — 'go away' covers both meanings. When a person is the subject, it means they leave a place, often for a period of time. When something like a pain or a problem is the subject, it means it stops existing. Context makes the meaning clear.

Is 'Go away!' always rude?

It can be quite direct or even rude when said to a person, especially if you say it sharply. In a casual or joking situation between friends it may be fine, but in formal or polite situations it is better to say something like 'Could you give me some space, please?' or 'I'd like to be alone right now.'

Can I say 'the problem has gone away'? Do I need to use a specific tense?

Yes, 'the problem has gone away' is perfectly natural and very common. 'Go away' works well in many tenses — past, present, future, and present perfect. Just avoid forms like 'had been going away' as they sound forced in most situations.

What kinds of things can 'go away' in the second sense?

Many things — headaches, pain, smells, feelings, symptoms, problems, worries, and even memories. The subject is almost always something non-human. You would not normally use 'go away' to mean a person disappears in this sense; for that, use 'disappear' or 'leave'.

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