The English language can sometimes be confusing when it comes to spelling, especially for compound words or phrases that evolve over time. One such case is the word faraway. Is it one word, two words, or hyphenated? Many people encounter this question while reading literature, writing poetry, or even drafting an email. The answer depends on its use in a sentence and whether it functions as an adjective or an adverb. Understanding the difference between far away, far-away, and faraway is essential for correct usage and effective communication.
Understanding the Usage of Faraway”
When Is Faraway One Word?
Faraway is asingle wordwhen it is used as an adjective to describe something distant or dreamlike. In this case, it typically precedes a noun and characterizes a place, look, or expression that is remote either physically or emotionally.
- Example She had a faraway look in her eyes.
- Example He told stories about a faraway land.
What Part of Speech Is Faraway?
Faraway is anadjective. It modifies a noun and often conveys a sense of distance, either literal (like a faraway country) or figurative (like a faraway memory or look).
Far Away as Two Words
When to Use Far Away
Far away is used as anadverbial phrasethat describes the verb, indicating distance. It answers the question where? and is often used to describe the physical or spatial separation between subjects or objects.
- Example The village is far away from the city.
- Example He moved far away after graduation.
Grammatical Function
Unlike faraway, which is an adjective, far away acts as an adverb and typically comes after a verb. It does not directly modify a noun but rather adds information to the action being described.
Far-Away with a Hyphen
Is Hyphenated Far-Away Correct?
Yes, far-away with a hyphen is sometimes used, particularly in older texts or poetic writing, when functioning as a compound adjective before a noun. Modern English often prefers the single-word form faraway in this case, but both forms can be considered correct depending on the style guide or writer’s preference.
- Example She dreamed of a far-away place. (Older or more formal)
- Example She dreamed of a faraway place. (Modern usage)
Hyphen Usage Rules
Generally, compound adjectives that come before nouns are hyphenated. However, when the compound is widely accepted as one word (like faraway), the hyphen is dropped in favor of the single-word form.
Summary of Differences
- Faraway(one word) adjective – a faraway land
- Far away(two words) adverbial phrase – He moved far away
- Far-away(hyphenated) compound adjective – less common in modern usage
Examples in Literature and Everyday Speech
Using Faraway in Descriptions
Writers and poets often use faraway to paint vivid imagery and evoke emotion. It suggests something distant and perhaps unreachable, making it powerful in storytelling and lyrical expression.
- He spoke of faraway dreams and forgotten times.
- The child stared with a faraway gaze, lost in thought.
Using Far Away to Indicate Distance
This form is common in both casual and formal communication. It clarifies how distant a subject is from another and can be physical or metaphorical.
- They live far away from their families.
- The mountain peak seemed far away and unreachable.
How to Decide Which Form to Use
Tips for Correct Usage
- If it comesbefore a nounand describes it, usefaraway.
- If it comesafter a verband describes distance, usefar away.
- If you’re using acompound adjective in older or poetic writing, you may considerfar-away.
Practice Sentences
- Correct She dreams of visiting faraway places. â
- Incorrect She dreams of visiting far away places. â (unless “far” and “away” are separated by a verb)
- Correct The treasure is hidden far away. â
- Correct They spoke of a far-away kingdom. â (formal or poetic tone)
Common Mistakes and Confusion
Overusing the One-Word Form
Writers sometimes overuse faraway when they should use far away in adverbial contexts. This makes the sentence grammatically incorrect or awkward.
- Incorrect He lives in a faraway. â
- Correct He lives far away. â
Misplacing the Hyphen
Hyphenating far-away unnecessarily when faraway is more appropriate for modern usage is another common error.
- Preferable She had a faraway smile. â
- Less preferable (though still acceptable in poetic writing) She had a far-away smile. â
So, is faraway one word? Yes, it is one word when used as an adjective before a noun. However, if you’re describing distance using an adverbial phrase, then far away (two words) is the correct form. Occasionally, you may encounter the hyphenated version far-away, especially in older texts or creative writing, but modern grammar guidelines typically favor faraway. Being mindful of the sentence structure and grammatical role will help you decide the appropriate form to use. Whether you’re writing an essay, telling a story, or composing a poem, understanding how to use faraway correctly will enhance your clarity and style.