Differences between drive away and tow away
Drive away means to leave a place in a vehicle, while tow away means to remove a vehicle from a place by pulling it with another vehicle.
Meanings and Definitions: drive away vs tow away
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Drive away
- 1Force an animal or someone to leave a place.
Their unfriendliness DRIVES customers AWAY.
Tow away
- 1Remove a vehicle, especially if parked illegally.
I parked in a no - parking zone and they TOWED my car AWAY.
Usage Examples: drive away, tow away in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
drive away
Example
The loud noise drives away the birds.
Example
He drives away the stray cats from his garden.
tow away
Example
If you park here, they will tow away your car.
Example
The tow truck tows away illegally parked cars.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Drive away
To depart or go away from a place.
Example
She had to leave early to catch her flight.
head out
To leave a place and start a journey or activity.
Example
We decided to head out for a hike in the mountains.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tow away
To take something away from a place.
Example
The workers had to remove the debris from the construction site.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “drive”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Differences in drive away vs tow away: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: drive away or tow away?
In daily conversation, people use drive away more often than tow away. This is because drive away is used for more common situations such as leaving home or work, while tow away is used in more specific situations such as when a car is parked illegally. So, while both phrases are used, drive away is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of drive away and tow away
Drive away and tow away are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of drive away and tow away
The tone of drive away and tow away can differ based on context. Drive away often carries a neutral or positive tone when related to leaving a place, while tow away typically has a negative or urgent tone, especially when referring to removing a vehicle that is parked illegally.
