What are the definitions of “get away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Escape.
The robbers GOT AWAY in a stolen car, which the police later found abandoned.
- 2Go on holiday or for a short break.
We love to GET AWAY from everything and relax in the country.
- 3Move, leave somewhere.
He didn't come because he was stuck at work and couldn't GET AWAY.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get away is to escape from a place or situation. It can be used to describe someone who avoids being caught, such as a criminal escaping from the police, or someone who manages to leave a difficult or uncomfortable situation.
What are the different verb forms of “get away”?
| Root Verb | get away |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets away |
| Present Participle | getting away |
| Simple Past | got away |
| Past Participle | gotten away |
Example
The thief tried to get away, but the police caught him.
Example
She always gets away with not doing her homework.
Example
He is getting away from the stressful city life by going on vacation.
Example
The criminal got away before the police arrived.
Example
He had gotten away from the party before anyone noticed he was gone.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get 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.)
Intransitive verb
“get away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The dog got away from its owner.
Example
She got away before anyone could ask her any questions.
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
“get 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 dog got away from its owner.
Example
She got away before anyone could ask her any questions.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get away”?
Good things to know
Does “get away” have an informal or formal tone?
Get away is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a formal report about a criminal who escaped from the police, or in a casual conversation about someone leaving a party early.
