What are the definitions of “put away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Put something back in the correct place.
He PUT the dictionary BACK on the shelf after he'd finished the crossword.
- 2Put someone in prison.
The judge PUT him AWAY for ten years for robbery.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “put away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb put away is to place something back in its proper place or storage area after using it. For example, it can mean returning a book to a shelf, putting clothes in a closet, or storing dishes in a cupboard.
What are the different verb forms of “put away”?
| Root Verb | put away |
| Third Person Singular Present | puts away |
| Present Participle | putting away |
| Simple Past | put away |
| Past Participle | put away |
Example
Please put away your toys when you're done playing.
Example
She puts away her clothes after doing laundry.
Example
He is putting away the groceries after shopping.
Example
Yesterday, they put away all the holiday decorations.
Example
The dishes have been put away in the cupboard.
What kind of phrasal verb is “put 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
“put 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 put away her books after studying.
Example
He put the toys away before bedtime.
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
“put 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 put away her books after studying.
Example
He put the toys away before bedtime.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “put away”?
Good things to know
Does “put away” have an informal or formal tone?
Put away is generally considered a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. However, it can also be used in more formal settings depending on the specific context. For instance, when discussing legal matters, such as putting someone away in prison, it can have a more formal tone.
