What are the definitions of “get away from”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Go somewhere different or do something different.
Work's getting on top of me; I need to GET AWAY FROM it.
- 2Start to talk about something that is not relevant to the discussion.
I think we're GETTING AWAY FROM the point here- we need to concentrate on the main ideas.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get away from”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get away from is to go somewhere different or do something different, usually to escape a stressful or unpleasant situation. For example, it can mean taking a vacation to relax or changing your daily routine to avoid stress.
What are the different verb forms of “get away from”?
| Root Verb | get away from |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets away from |
| Present Participle | getting away from |
| Simple Past | got away from |
| Past Participle | gotten away from |
Example
I need to get away from the city for a while.
Example
She gets away from her problems by going for a walk.
Example
He is getting away from his work by taking a short break.
Example
Yesterday, they got away from their busy lives by going to the beach.
Example
She had gotten away from her stress by taking a yoga class.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get away from”?
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
“get away from” 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
I need to get away from the city for a while.
Example
She got away from her problems by going for a walk.
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 from” 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 need to get away from the city for a while.
Example
She got away from her problems by going for a walk.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get away from”?
Good things to know
Does “get away from” have an informal or formal tone?
Get away from 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 business meeting when discussing the need to focus on the main topic, or in casual conversations when talking about taking a break or vacation.
