Differences between throw away and throw out
Throw away and throw out are very similar phrasal verbs that both mean to dispose of something. However, throw away implies that the item being disposed of is no longer useful or needed, while throw out can also mean to expel someone from a place or to reject an idea or proposal.
Meanings and Definitions: throw away vs throw out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Throw away
- 1Discard something when no longer needed.
I THREW the alarm clock AWAY because it had stopped working.
Throw out
- 1Get rid of.
I THREW OUT all my old clothes to make some space in my wardrobe.
- 2Dislocate.
Edward slipped on the ice and THREW OUT his shoulder.
- 3Reject.
The committee THREW the proposal OUT.
- 4Produce heat, fumes.
The car THROWS OUT a lot of smoke.
- 5Expel.
The school THREW him OUT for smoking.
Usage Examples: throw away, throw out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
throw away
Example
Please throw away the old newspapers.
Example
She throws away the spoiled food from the fridge.
throw out
Example
I need to throw out the expired food from the fridge.
Example
She throws out her old magazines every month.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Throw away
toss out
To throw away or discard something casually.
Example
He decided to toss out the old magazines that were cluttering up his living room.
To abandon or get rid of something or someone.
Example
She decided to ditch her old car and buy a new one instead.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Throw out
To refuse to accept or consider something.
Example
The committee decided to reject the proposal due to budget constraints.
To force someone to leave a place or organization.
Example
The school principal decided to expel the student for repeatedly breaking school rules.
To reject or disregard something as unimportant or irrelevant.
Example
He decided to dismiss the idea as impractical and not worth pursuing further.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “throw”
Differences in throw away vs throw out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: throw away or throw out?
Both throw away and throw out are commonly used in everyday conversation, but throw away is slightly more common in American English. In British English, throw out is more frequently used.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of throw away and throw out
Both throw away and throw out are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions such as 'dispose of' or 'discard' can convey a more professional tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of throw away and throw out
The tone of throw away and throw out can differ based on context. Throw away often carries a sense of finality or regret when getting rid of something, while throw out can have a more forceful or dismissive tone when rejecting an idea or expelling someone from a place.
