What are the definitions of “pack away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Put something where it belongs.
I PACKED AWAY the suitcases in the loft after we had emptied them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pack away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pack away is to put something back in its proper place, usually after using it. This can refer to putting away clothes, toys, or any other items that need to be stored or organized.
What are the different verb forms of “pack away”?
| Root Verb | pack away |
| Third Person Singular Present | packs away |
| Present Participle | packing away |
| Simple Past | packed away |
| Past Participle | packed away |
Example
Please pack away your toys when you're done playing.
Example
She packs away her clothes neatly in the closet.
Example
He is packing away the dishes after washing them.
Example
Yesterday, they packed away all the holiday decorations.
Example
The camping gear has been packed away until next summer.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pack 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.)
Transitive verb
“pack 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 packed away her clothes in the suitcase.
Example
He packed the toys away in the toy box.
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
“pack 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 packed away her clothes in the suitcase.
Example
He packed the toys away in the toy box.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pack away”?
Good things to know
Does “pack away” have an informal or formal tone?
Pack 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, when discussing organizing items at home, it has a casual tone. However, when discussing storing important documents or materials, it can have a more formal tone.
