Differences between give away and take away
Give away means to give something to someone for free or to reveal a secret or information, whereas take away means to remove something from a place or person.
Meanings and Definitions: give away vs take away
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Take away
- 1Remove.
The police TOOK the protestors AWAY.
Usage Examples: give away, take away in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
give away
Example
The radio station is giving away concert tickets to the first caller.
Example
She gives away her old clothes to charity.
take away
Example
Please take away the dirty dishes from the table.
Example
She takes away the toys after the children finish playing.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give away
To give money, goods, or services to a charitable organization or cause.
Example
They decided to donate their old clothes to a local shelter.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take away
To take something away from a place or person.
Example
He had to remove the old furniture from the room before painting it.
To remove something by force or effort.
Example
The dentist had to extract the decayed tooth to prevent further damage.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “give”
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Differences in give away vs take away: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: give away or take away?
In daily conversation, people use take away more often than give away. This is because take away is used for more daily tasks and routines such as removing objects or taking food to go. Give away is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about giving something for free or revealing a secret. So, while both phrases are used, take away is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of give away and take away
Give away and take 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 give away and take away
The tone of give away and take away can differ based on context. Give away often carries a generous or secretive tone when related to giving something for free or revealing information, while take away typically has a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to removing objects or taking food to go.
