Differences between put away and throw away
Put away means to store something in its proper place or to tidy up a space, while throw away means to dispose of something that is no longer needed or wanted.
Meanings and Definitions: put away vs throw away
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Put away
- 1Put something back in the correct place.
He PUT the dictionary BACK on the shelf after he'd finished the crossword.
- 2Put someone in prison.
The judge PUT him AWAY for ten years for robbery.
Throw away
- 1Discard something when no longer needed.
I THREW the alarm clock AWAY because it had stopped working.
Usage Examples: put away, throw away in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
put away
Example
Please put away your toys when you're done playing.
Example
She puts away her clothes after doing laundry.
throw away
Example
Please throw away the old newspapers.
Example
She throws away the spoiled food from the fridge.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Put away
tidy up
To clean and organize a space by putting things in their proper place.
Example
Before leaving the office, she always makes sure to tidy up her desk and put everything away.
To keep something in a specific place for future use.
Example
She decided to store her winter clothes in the attic until next season.
To arrange things in a systematic or orderly way.
Example
He spent the weekend organizing his bookshelf by genre and author.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Throw away
To throw something away because it is no longer useful or necessary.
Example
He had to discard the spoiled food from the fridge to avoid getting sick.
toss out
To throw something away casually or without much thought.
Example
She decided to toss out the old magazines that were cluttering her living room.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “put”
Phrasal Verbs with “throw”
- throw on
- throw off
- throw together
- throw out
- throw over
Differences in put away vs throw away: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: put away or throw away?
In daily conversation, people use throw away more often than put away. This is because throw away is used for more routine tasks such as cleaning and decluttering. Put away is not used as much, but it's still a common phrase when talking about organizing things. So, while both phrases are used, throw away is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of put away and throw away
Put away and throw 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 put away and throw away
The tone of put away and throw away can differ based on context. Put away often carries a practical and organized tone when related to tidying up or organizing, while throw away typically has a decisive and sometimes negative tone, especially when referring to getting rid of something.
put away & throw away: Synonyms and Antonyms
Put away
Antonyms
- remove
- retrieve
- unpack
- disorganize
- take out
- bring out
- mess up
