block away

Meaning

This phrase describes a distance measured by city blocks (the distance from one street intersection to the next). It is used to indicate that a place is very close, usually preceded by 'a' or a number (e.g., 'a block away,' 'three blocks away'). It is a standard way to give directions in grid-style cities.

Examples

• The pharmacy is only one block away from the supermarket.

  The pharmacy is only one block away from the supermarket.

• We parked our car a block away because the street was too crowded.

  We parked our car a block away because the street was too crowded.

• Our hotel is located just a few blocks away from the beach.

  Our hotel is located just a few blocks away from the beach.

• Is the train station far, or is it just a block away?

  Is the train station far, or is it just a block away?

• I could hear the concert music even though I was three blocks away.

  I could hear the concert music even though I was three blocks away.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The museum is one street away.

  ✓ The museum is one block away.

  While 'street away' is sometimes understood, native English speakers almost always use 'block away' to measure short city distances.

• ✗ We live a block far from here.

  ✓ We live a block away from here.

  'Block far' is incorrect. Use 'block away' or 'blocks away' to indicate distance.

Related Expressions

Practice

• You don't need a taxi; the restaurant is just a ___.

  💡 The distance of one street intersection.

  Show answer

  block away

• The museum is not far at all; in fact, it is just one ___ from here.

  💡 A very short urban distance.

  Show answer

  block away