TAKE AWAY

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'take away' means to remove something from a person, place, or thing, often implying deprivation or subtraction.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'take away' means to remove something from a person, place, or thing, often implying deprivation or subtraction.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
Take away can split; you can say 'take the book away' or 'take away the book.'
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Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts without issues.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object, as in removing something.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple take away They take away the old equipment every month.
Past Simple took away The police took away his license after the accident.
Present Continuous taking away She is taking away the toys from the children.
Present Perfect have taken away They have taken away all the non-essential items.

💡 When to Use

Disciplinary actions
Use when something is removed as a form of consequence or penalty.
Example: "The teacher took away the students' privileges for a week."
Removing obstacles
Appropriate when eliminating something that's obstructing progress or work.
Example: "Removing the barriers takes away potential hazards for drivers."
Diminishing resources
Applicable when discussing subtracting or reducing available supplies or funds.
Example: "The increased taxes take away from families' budgets."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using it without an object
❌ Wrong: Can you take away?
✅ Correct: Can you take away the dishes?
💡 Tip: Always specify what is being removed.
Incorrect placement in a sentence
❌ Wrong: Take the away food.
✅ Correct: Take away the food.
💡 Tip: Keep 'take' and 'away' together or separate them with the object.
Confusing with 'take out'
❌ Wrong: Please take away the trash outside.
✅ Correct: Please take out the trash outside.
💡 Tip: Use 'take out' for removing something out.
Practice

TAKE AWAY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

remove subtract

Antonyms

give

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The new policy will ___ many employees' benefits."

takes out
take away
bring away
take in

"The lessons we choose to take away today will shape the wisdom we impart tomorrow; always value your own experiences."

In Context

In 1776, as tensions rose between American colonists and the British crown, a pivotal moment unfolded that used the power of 'take away.' The British imposed harsh taxes, intending to take away the colonists' hard-earned income, leading to widespread unrest. Protesters, determined to take away their oppressors' power, convened in towns and cities, rallying around cries for liberty. One of the most significant events was the Boston Tea Party. Colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded ships and dumped chests of taxed tea into the harbor, aiming to take away the British profit and send a clear message of defiance. This bold act of rebellion escalated tensions, prompting the British to respond with even harsher measures, further taking away the colonists' autonomy. Word of the Boston Tea Party spread, solidifying colonial unity and opposition to British rule. Eventually, these continued confrontations culminated in the Revolutionary War. Through courage and resolve, the American colonists succeeded in their quest to take away the chains of tyranny, achieving independence and laying the foundation of a new nation. The enduring spirit of 'taking away' oppression became a cornerstone of American identity, forever immortalized in history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Away

What is the origin of take away?

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The origin of 'take away' can be traced back to Old English, where 'take' meant 'to accept' and 'away' implied 'from here.' It evolved in Middle English to mean removing or subtracting something. Today, it's widely used in various contexts to denote removal or reduction.

Can take away be used in formal and informal contexts?

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'Take away' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it’s suitable for discussing policy or legal matters, while informally, it's used in everyday conversation, like when removing a child's toy, making it a neutral and adaptable expression.

What is the difference between take away and remove?

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While 'take away' and 'remove' are often interchangeable, 'take away' can imply more than just physical removal, also including deprivation or emotional release. 'Remove' is more formal and specific, often associated with officially or physically extracting something from its place.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

sum upsurvive insurvive onlytake backtake care of
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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