What does the phrasal verb “get away!” mean?

What are the definitions of “get away!”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. An expression of disbelief.

  " I passed."" GET AWAY! You couldn't have passed."

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get away is an expression of disbelief or surprise. It is used when someone finds it hard to believe what another person is saying.

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

"I won the lottery!" "Get away! Are you serious?"

Example

"She said she met a celebrity." "She gets away with such stories."

Example

"He claims he can fly." "He's getting away with that nonsense."

Example

"I told them I saw a UFO." "They got away with your story."

Example

"He said he could read minds." "He gotten away with that claim."

What kind of phrasal verb is “get 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.)

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

"I passed." "Get away! You couldn't have passed."

Example

"I found a $100 bill on the street." "Get away! That's so lucky."

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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

“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

"I passed." "Get away! You couldn't have passed."

Example

"I found a $100 bill on the street." "Get away! That's so lucky."

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

Get away with something

To escape punishment or consequences for doing something wrong or unacceptable.

Example

He always gets away with being late to work because his boss likes him.

Get away from it all

To take a break or escape from a stressful situation or environment.

Example

I need a vacation to get away from it all and relax on the beach.

Get away from someone/something

To physically distance oneself from a person or thing.

Example

She tried to get away from the annoying salesperson at the store.

Good things to know

Does “get away!” have an informal or formal tone?

Get away is an informal phrasal verb and is more suitable for casual conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication.

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

Synonyms

• unbelievable
• incredible
• no way
• you're kidding
• i don't believe it
• are you serious

Antonyms

• believable
• plausible
• credible
• likely
• convincing
• acceptable