Differences between stow away and tear away
Stow away means to hide or store something in a safe place, especially on a ship or plane, while tear away means to quickly and forcefully remove something from a surface or object.
Meanings and Definitions: stow away vs tear away
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Stow away
- 1Hide in a vehicle to travel without people knowing.
She STOWED AWAY on the plane but was caught when it landed.
- 2Store something in a safe place.
We STOWED it AWAY in the garage to keep it dry.
Tear away
- 1Stop someone doing something unwillingly.
I had to TEAR him AWAY from the office for dinner.
- 2Remove a surface violently.
The roof was TORN AWAY in the hurricane.
Usage Examples: stow away, tear away in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
stow away
Example
He decided to stow away on the cargo ship to reach the other side of the ocean.
Example
She stows away in the truck to avoid being caught by the police.
tear away
Example
She had to tear away her son from the video game.
Example
He tears away the old wallpaper from the wall.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stow away
To hide or keep something out of sight.
Example
He tried to conceal the surprise party from his wife by pretending to go on a business trip.
To put something away in a safe or designated place for future use.
Example
He decided to store his winter clothes in the attic until next season.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tear away
strip off
To remove or take off clothing or a covering quickly and forcefully.
Example
She had to strip off her wet clothes after falling into the river.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “tear”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Differences in stow away vs tear away: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: stow away or tear away?
In daily conversation, people use tear away more often than stow away. This is because tear away is used for more common actions such as tearing a piece of paper or removing a sticker. Stow away is not used as much in everyday conversations. It's mainly used when we're talking about hiding something or someone. So, while both phrases are used, tear away is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of stow away and tear away
Stow away and tear 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 stow away and tear away
The tone of stow away and tear away can differ based on context. Stow away often carries a secretive or sneaky tone when related to hiding something or someone, while tear away typically has a forceful and urgent tone, especially when referring to removing something quickly.
