What does the phrasal verb “square away” mean?

What are the definitions of “square away”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Finish or sort something out.

  There are few things I have to SQUARE AWAY before I can leave.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “square away”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb square away is to finish or sort something out. It means to complete a task or organize something so that it is ready or in order. For example, it can be used when talking about finishing work tasks, organizing personal belongings, or preparing for a trip.

What are the different verb forms of “square away”?

Root Verb	square away
Third Person Singular Present	squares away
Present Participle	squaring away
Simple Past	squared away
Past Participle	squared away

Example

I need to square away my work before the weekend.

Example

She squares away her desk every evening before leaving the office.

Example

He is squaring away his luggage for the trip.

Example

Yesterday, they squared away all the paperwork for the project.

Example

The room was squared away and ready for the guests.

What kind of phrasal verb is “square away”?

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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

“square 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

I squared away my room before my parents arrived.

Example

She squared away the documents for the meeting.

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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

“square 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

I squared away my room before my parents arrived.

Example

She squared away the documents for the meeting.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “square away”?

Square away time

To set aside or allocate a specific time for a task or activity.

Example

I squared away some time this weekend to work on my project.

Square away money

To save or set aside money for a specific purpose.

Example

They squared away some money for their vacation next year.

Square away a problem

To resolve or deal with a problem or issue.

Example

We need to square away this issue before it escalates.

Good things to know

Does “square away” have an informal or formal tone?

Square away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal contexts, such as in business or professional settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “square away”?

Synonyms

• organize
• arrange
• settle
• complete
• resolve
• sort out
• finish
• tidy up
• deal with

Antonyms

• disorganize
• ignore
• neglect
• procrastinate
• postpone
• mess up
• leave unfinished