Quick answer: Away means not present or not at home — the destination can be anywhere (another city, another room, or another country). Abroad specifically means in or to a foreign country. All travel abroad is away, but not all time away is abroad. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘away’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | Destination | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| away | not here / not at home | anywhere | She’s away this week. |
| abroad | in or to a foreign country | another country only | She’s working abroad. |
Using Away
Away means absent from a place, typically home, the office, or the usual location. It does not specify the destination — the person could be in the next town or on another continent.
She’s away on business this week.
The children are away at summer camp.
He’s away from his desk.
We were away for two weeks.
Away in Other Senses
Away has many other uses beyond travel: direction (go away), distance (five miles away), and continuous action (working away).
Using Abroad
Abroad specifically means in or to a foreign country. It is always used without an article or preposition — do not say to abroad or in the abroad.
She studied abroad for a year.
Many UK graduates work abroad.
Have you ever lived abroad?
She went to abroad last summer.
Common Mistakes
✗ She travelled to abroad.
✓ She travelled abroad. (no preposition needed)
✗ She’s abroad in Edinburgh. (if said by someone in England, Edinburgh is not abroad)
✓ She’s away in Edinburgh.
✗ He works in the abroad.
✓ He works abroad. (no article)
Also compare: Border vs Boundary, Already vs Yet, Also vs Too. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Away or Abroad?
Four questions — choose the correct word.
1. “She spent a year studying ___ in France.”
2. “The manager is ___ this week — she’s in Manchester.”
3. “Have you ever worked ___?” (in another country)
4. “The kids are ___ at their grandparents’ house.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between away and abroad?
Away means not present or not at home — the destination can be anywhere. Abroad specifically means in or to a foreign country. You can be away without being abroad, but if you are abroad you are also away.
Do I need a preposition with abroad?
No. Abroad is used without a preposition: “She went abroad” / “She lives abroad.” Never say “to abroad” or “in the abroad”.
Can both words be used with “go”?
Yes. “Go away” means to leave a place (for any destination). “Go abroad” specifically means to travel to another country. Both are correct.
Is “abroad” used in American English?
Yes, though American English also uses “overseas” in the same sense. “Study abroad” is a common phrase in both British and American English.
Can “away” mean in another country?
Yes, if context makes it clear. “She’s away in Japan” is correct. However, if you want to specifically emphasise the foreign country aspect, abroad is more precise.
What does “from abroad” mean?
“From abroad” means from a foreign country: “Students from abroad are welcome.” / “She received a parcel from abroad.”
What is the opposite of abroad?
There is no single-word antonym. “At home” or “in the UK” (or your own country) serves as the opposite in context: “Whether you are at home or abroad…”
Can I say “away abroad” together?
It is redundant in most cases. If you are abroad you are already away. However, in some British English usage “away abroad” appears informally for emphasis, though it is not standard.
Is “abroad” an adjective or adverb?
Abroad is primarily an adverb: “She lives abroad.” It is also used as a postpositive adjective in formal or literary English: “citizens abroad” / “students abroad”.
How do I say “abroad” in a question?
“Have you ever been abroad?” / “Are you planning to go abroad this summer?” / “Where did you go abroad?” The word order is the same as with any adverb.