What are the definitions of “call away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To be summoned or required to leave a place or situation.
He was called away unexpectedly today, which is why I came to meet you instead.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “call away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb call away is to be summoned or required to leave a place or situation. It often refers to someone being asked to go somewhere else because they are needed for a specific task or purpose.
What are the different verb forms of “call away”?
| Root Verb | call away |
| Third Person Singular Present | calls away |
| Present Participle | calling away |
| Simple Past | called away |
| Past Participle | called away |
Example
My boss called me away from the meeting to handle an urgent issue.
Example
She calls him away whenever there is an emergency at home.
Example
He is calling her away from the party to help with the preparations.
Example
Yesterday, they called away the doctor to attend to a critical patient.
Example
The manager was called away to deal with a customer complaint.
What kind of phrasal verb is “call away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“call away” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The principal called the teacher away from the classroom.
Example
An urgent phone call called her away from the meeting.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“call away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The principal called the teacher away from the classroom.
Example
An urgent phone call called her away from the meeting.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “call away”?
Good things to know
Does “call away” have an informal or formal tone?
Call away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or professional contexts.
