What are the definitions of “throw away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Discard something when no longer needed.
I THREW the alarm clock AWAY because it had stopped working.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “throw away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb throw away is to discard or get rid of something that is no longer needed or useful. For example, it can mean disposing of trash, old items, or broken things.
What are the different verb forms of “throw away”?
| Root Verb | throw away |
| Third Person Singular Present | throws away |
| Present Participle | throwing away |
| Simple Past | threw away |
| Past Participle | thrown away |
Example
Please throw away the old newspapers.
Example
She throws away the spoiled food from the fridge.
Example
He is throwing away the broken toys.
Example
Yesterday, they threw away the worn-out shoes.
Example
The damaged books were thrown away and replaced with new ones.
What kind of phrasal verb is “throw 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
“throw 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 threw away the old clothes.
Example
He threw the trash away.
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
“throw 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 threw away the old clothes.
Example
He threw the trash away.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “throw away”?
Throw away an opportunity
To waste or not take advantage of a chance or opportunity.
Example
He threw away a great job offer by not responding in time.
Good things to know
Does “throw away” have an informal or formal tone?
Throw 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 instance, when discussing waste management or environmental issues, it can have a more formal tone. However, in most cases, throw away is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
