Differences between get away and give away
Get away usually means to escape or leave a place, while give away generally means to give something as a gift or to reveal a secret.
Meanings and Definitions: get away vs give away
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get away
- 1Escape.
The robbers GOT AWAY in a stolen car, which the police later found abandoned.
- 2Go on holiday or for a short break.
We love to GET AWAY from everything and relax in the country.
- 3Move, leave somewhere.
He didn't come because he was stuck at work and couldn't GET AWAY.
Give away
- 1Entrust your daughter to her husband through the marriage ceremony.
He GAVE his daughter AWAY and told the groom to look after her.
- 2Tell a secret, often unintentionally.
She didn't GIVE anything AWAY about the party so it came as a complete surprise to me.
- 3Distribute something for free.
In this issue of the magazine, they are giving away a free DVD.
- 4Give without asking for or expecting payment.
He decided to GIVE his new album AWAY in a magazine.
- 5Give an advantage to your opponent in a sport by making a mistake, playing badly, etc.
They GAVE AWAY two goals in the first half.
- 6Give an unwanted baby to people to bring up.
She had to GIVE her baby AWAY as she couldn't afford to bring it up.
- 7Betray, report to authorities.
The gang GAVE him AWAY to the police.
- 8Give a weight advantage to an opponent in boxing.
He is GIVING AWAY thirty pounds to the challenger.
Usage Examples: get away, give away in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get away
Example
The thief tried to get away, but the police caught him.
Example
She always gets away with not doing her homework.
give away
Example
The radio station is giving away concert tickets to the first caller.
Example
She gives away her old clothes to charity.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get away
To get free from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
Example
The prisoner managed to escape from the jail by digging a tunnel.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give away
To give something to a charity or organization.
Example
She decided to donate her old clothes to the homeless shelter.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “give”
Differences in get away vs give away: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get away or give away?
In daily conversation, people use get away more often than give away. This is because get away is used for more common situations such as leaving work or escaping danger. Give away is not used as much in everyday conversations. It's mainly used when we're talking about giving something as a gift or revealing a secret. So, while both phrases are used, get away is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get away and give away
Get away and give 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 get away and give away
The tone of get away and give away can differ based on context. Get away often carries a sense of urgency or excitement when related to escaping or leaving a place, while give away typically has a generous or secretive tone, especially when referring to giving gifts or revealing secrets.
