What are the definitions of “peel away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave a group by moving in a different. direction.
Some of the crowd PEELED AWAY to get out of the crush.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “peel away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb peel away is to leave a group by moving in a different direction. It is often used to describe people separating from a larger group or crowd.
What are the different verb forms of “peel away”?
| Root Verb | peel away |
| Third Person Singular Present | peels away |
| Present Participle | peeling away |
| Simple Past | peeled away |
| Past Participle | peeled away |
Example
Some of the protesters peeled away from the main group.
Example
He peels away from the crowd to find a quieter spot.
Example
The group is peeling away to explore different areas of the museum.
Example
She peeled away from the group to catch her bus.
Example
The crowd had peeled away by the time the concert ended.
What kind of phrasal verb is “peel 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
“peel 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 crowd peeled away as the police arrived.
Example
The group peeled away to find their own way.
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
“peel 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 crowd peeled away as the police arrived.
Example
The group peeled away to find their own way.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “peel away”?
Good things to know
Does “peel away” have an informal or formal tone?
Peel away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news reports or written articles.
