What are the definitions of “chuck away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Dispose of something you no longer need or want.
I CHUCKED AWAY all my old records years ago when CDs came out.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “chuck away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb chuck away is to dispose of something that you no longer need or want. It means to throw something away, usually because it is old, broken, or no longer useful.
What are the different verb forms of “chuck away”?
| Root Verb | chuck away |
| Third Person Singular Present | chucks away |
| Present Participle | chucking away |
| Simple Past | chucked away |
| Past Participle | chucked away |
Example
I need to chuck away these old clothes that don't fit me anymore.
Example
She chucks away the expired food from the fridge.
Example
He is chucking away the broken toys in the playroom.
Example
Yesterday, they chucked away the old furniture from the garage.
Example
The damaged books were chucked away and replaced with new ones.
What kind of phrasal verb is “chuck 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
“chuck 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
She chucked away the old magazines.
Example
He chucked the broken chair away.
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
“chuck 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
She chucked away the old magazines.
Example
He chucked the broken chair away.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “chuck away”?
Chuck away an opportunity
To waste or lose an opportunity due to carelessness or lack of effort.
Example
She chucked away her chance to get a promotion by not preparing for the meeting.
Good things to know
Does “chuck away” have an informal or formal tone?
Chuck away is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations. It is not suitable for formal settings or writing. In more formal contexts, you can use synonyms like 'discard,' 'dispose of,' or 'throw away.'
