Question 1

What does AWAY add to phrasal verbs in English?

Accepted Answer

The particle "away" typically adds one of four main meanings to a verb. First, departure or movement from a place: "go away" (leave), "run away" (leave quickly), "drive away" (leave in a vehicle). Second, removal or getting rid of something: "throw away" (put in the bin), "take away" (remove), "give away" (donate). Third, gradual disappearance: "fade away" (slowly become weaker), "die away" (gradually become quiet), "melt away" (slowly disappear). Fourth, storage: "put away" (store in the right place), "lock away" (store securely). Understanding these four patterns helps you predict the meaning of unfamiliar phrasal verbs with "away." Context always confirms which meaning is intended.

Question 2

What is the difference between throw away and throw out?

Accepted Answer

"Throw away" and "throw out" both mean to get rid of something you no longer want by putting it in the bin or taking it to the rubbish collection. In most situations, they are completely interchangeable: "Throw away those old magazines" means the same as "Throw out those old magazines." However, "throw out" has an extra meaning that "throw away" does not: it can mean to force someone to leave a place: "The security guard threw him out of the club." "Throw away" cannot be used in this way. Both are separable: "Throw it away" and "Throw it out." For everyday conversations about rubbish and unwanted items, choose whichever feels more natural — both are equally correct.

Question 3

How do I use get away and get away with correctly?

Accepted Answer

"Get away" means to leave a place, often to escape or to go on holiday: "I need to get away from the city for a few days" or "The thief got away before the police arrived." "Get away with" means to do something wrong without being punished or caught: "He cheated on the test and got away with it." The difference is clear: "get away" is about physical movement or escape, while "get away with" is about avoiding consequences for bad behaviour. "Get away" is inseparable, and "get away with" is a three-word phrasal verb where the parts cannot be rearranged. Both are commonly tested in B1 and B2 Cambridge exams.

Phrasal Verbs with AWAY Exercises

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-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect

Reported Speech

Passive Voice

Past Simple