What are the definitions of “whisk away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Take to another place quickly.
The police WHISKED the minister AWAY when the trouble started.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “whisk away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb whisk away is to quickly take someone or something to another place. This can be used to describe a sudden or unexpected movement from one location to another.
What are the different verb forms of “whisk away”?
| Root Verb | whisk away |
| Third Person Singular Present | whisks away |
| Present Participle | whisking away |
| Simple Past | whisked away |
| Past Participle | whisked away |
Example
The wind whisked away the leaves from the ground.
Example
She whisks away the crumbs from the table after dinner.
Example
He is whisking away the dust from the shelves.
Example
The magician whisked away the rabbit into his hat.
Example
The important documents were whisked away to a secure location.
What kind of phrasal verb is “whisk 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
“whisk 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
The wind whisked the leaves away.
Example
The police whisked the minister away when the trouble started.
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
“whisk 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 wind whisked the leaves away.
Example
The police whisked the minister away when the trouble started.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “whisk away”?
Good things to know
Does “whisk away” have an informal or formal tone?
Whisk away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
