What does the phrasal verb “clear away” mean?

What are the definitions of “clear away”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Leave a place.

  We were told to CLEAR AWAY from the scene of the accident.

• 2. Remove or tidy.

  After dinner, I CLEARED AWAY the plates and dishes.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “clear away”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb clear away is to remove or tidy something, such as cleaning up after a meal or putting things away after use. It often refers to making a space neat and organized.

What are the different verb forms of “clear away”?

Root Verb	clear away
Third Person Singular Present	clears away
Present Participle	clearing away
Simple Past	cleared away
Past Participle	cleared away

Example

Please clear away the toys after playing with them.

Example

She clears away the dishes after every meal.

Example

He is clearing away the clutter from his desk.

Example

Yesterday, they cleared away the leaves from the yard.

Example

The mess has been cleared away and the room is clean now.

What kind of phrasal verb is “clear away”?

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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

“clear 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 cleared away the dishes from the table.

Example

He cleared the toys away after the children finished playing.

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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

“clear 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 cleared away the dishes from the table.

Example

He cleared the toys away after the children finished playing.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “clear away”?

Clear away doubts or confusion

To clarify or resolve a misunderstanding or uncertainty.

Example

The explanation cleared away any doubts I had about the project.

Clear away obstacles or barriers

To remove or overcome challenges or difficulties.

Example

The team worked together to clear away the obstacles blocking their progress.

Clear away debris or wreckage

To clean up and remove the remains of a disaster or accident.

Example

After the storm, volunteers helped clear away the debris from the streets.

Good things to know

Does “clear away” have an informal or formal tone?

Clear away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “clear away”?

Synonyms

• remove
• eliminate
• clean up
• tidy up
• put away
• dispose of
• erase
• sweep away

Antonyms for {keyword}

• create
• make
• build
• assemble
• construct
• produce
• generate