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Phrasal verbs "pack up" vs "pack away"

Differences between pack up and pack away

Pack up and pack away are similar in meaning, but there is a slight difference in usage. Pack up is used when we're talking about preparing to leave a place or finishing an activity, while pack away is used when we're talking about storing something.

Meanings and Definitions: pack up vs pack away

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Pack up

  • 1Stop doing something.

    You should PACK UP smoking.

  • 2Finish work.

    We had nothing left to do, so we PACKED UP early.

  • 3Break down, stop working.

    My printer PACKED UP last night- I'll have to get a new one.

  • 4Collect things and put them where you keep them.

    At the end of the presentation, I PACKED UP my laptop.

Pack away

  • 1Put something where it belongs.

    I PACKED AWAY the suitcases in the loft after we had emptied them.

Usage Examples: pack up, pack away in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

pack up

Example

Before leaving the hotel, we need to pack up our suitcases.

Example

She packs up her desk at the end of the workday.

pack away

Example

Please pack away your toys when you're done playing.

Example

She packs away her clothes neatly in the closet.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pack up

wrap up

To finish or complete an activity or task.

Example

We need to wrap up this meeting so that everyone can go home.

tidy up

To organize or clean a space by putting things in their proper place.

Example

After the party, we need to tidy up the living room and put away the decorations.

clear out

To remove or take away everything from a space or container.

Example

Before moving out, we need to clear out all the furniture and personal belongings.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pack away

store

To put something away in a designated place for later use.

Example

During the winter, we store our summer clothes in the attic.

put away

To return something to its proper place after using it.

Example

After cooking, we need to put away the dishes and utensils.

stash

To hide or store something in a secret or safe place.

Example

He stashed his savings under the mattress to keep them safe from theft.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “pack”

Differences in pack up vs pack away: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: pack up or pack away?

Both pack up and pack away are commonly used in everyday conversation, but pack up is more common. We use pack up in many situations such as packing up our bags before leaving for a trip, packing up our books after finishing a study session, or packing up our picnic gear after a day out. Pack away is less common, but it's still used in daily life when we're talking about storing things.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of pack up and pack away

Both pack up and pack away are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. They are not commonly used in formal settings like business or academic contexts. In these contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of pack up and pack away

The tone of pack up and pack away is practical and straightforward. Both phrases are used to describe the process of organizing and tidying up. However, pack up can also carry a sense of finality or completion, while pack away implies that the items are being stored for later use.

pack up & pack away: Synonyms and Antonyms

Pack away

Synonyms

Antonyms

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