What are the definitions of “make away with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Steal.
The thieves MADE AWAY WITH the painting.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “make away with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb make away with is to steal something or take something without permission. It is often used to describe a situation where someone takes something valuable or important.
What are the different verb forms of “make away with”?
| Root Verb | make away with |
| Third Person Singular Present | makes away with |
| Present Participle | making away with |
| Simple Past | made away with |
| Past Participle | made away with |
Example
The burglars made away with the expensive jewelry.
Example
He makes away with the stolen goods before anyone notices.
Example
They are making away with the priceless artifacts.
Example
The thief made away with the valuable painting.
Example
The criminals had made away with the money before the police arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “make away with”?
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
“make away with” 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
The robbers made away with the cash from the register.
Example
She made away with the documents before anyone could see them.
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
“make away with” 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 robbers made away with the cash from the register.
Example
She made away with the documents before anyone could see them.
Good things to know
Does “make away with” have an informal or formal tone?
Make away with is an informal phrasal verb that is typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. It is not commonly used in formal settings or professional writing. In more formal contexts, synonyms such as 'steal' or 'abscond with' may be more appropriate.
