GET AWAY

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'get away' means to escape from a place, situation, or constraints, often implying a sense of freedom or relief.

Examples in context

đź“– Definition

The phrasal verb 'get away' means to escape from a place, situation, or constraints, often implying a sense of freedom or relief.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
Can insert an object in between: 'get the dog away'.
Register
Neutral
Used in a variety of contexts, neither formal nor informal.
Transitive
No
'Get away' does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple get away They get away every weekend to the countryside.
Past Simple got away He got away from the pressing crowd.
Present Continuous getting away She is getting away from her daily routine.
Present Perfect have gotten away We have gotten away from the noise of the city.

đź’ˇ When to Use

Escaping a location
Use when someone is physically leaving or escaping from a place, usually to gain freedom or relief.
Example: "The cat managed to get away from the box."
Avoiding responsibility
Use when someone avoids a duty or consequence, often without being noticed.
Example: "She tried to get away without doing her homework."
Taking a holiday
Use when describing a vacation or break from normal routines, seeking relaxation.
Example: "They want to get away for a weekend retreat."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using with a direct object
❌ Wrong: She got away her problems.
âś… Correct: She got away from her problems.
đź’ˇ Tip: Remember 'get away' needs 'from' before mentioning something.
Incorrect verb form
❌ Wrong: He get away quickly.
âś… Correct: He got away quickly.
đź’ˇ Tip: Make sure to use the past form 'got' when describing past events.
Confusing with 'got away from'
❌ Wrong: We need get away work.
âś… Correct: We need to get away from work.
đź’ˇ Tip: Use 'from' to indicate what you're getting away from.
Practice

GET 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

escape break free

Antonyms

remain

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The culprit managed to ___ from the police."

get over
get away
get under
get off

"To truly get away, one must not only distance oneself physically but also mentally from the burdens that bind the spirit."

In Context

During World War II, the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh faced a turbulent time in his career. Known for his pioneering solo transatlantic flight in 1927, he found himself embroiled in controversy due to his isolationist views in the years leading up to the war. As the conflict intensified, Lindbergh struggled to get away from the public criticism and scrutiny. His opinions were misconstrued, leading many to question his patriotism. Determined to escape the political maelstrom, he sought solace in his passion for flying by testing and improving aviation technologies. Despite attempts to get away from public life, Lindbergh's reputation suffered until he re-emerged after the U.S. entered the war, contributing his expertise to the American military effort. Engaging in combat missions in the Pacific, Lindbergh managed to demonstrate his dedication to his country. As the war came to an end, he was gradually able to get away from past controversies and was posthumously recognized for his contributions to aviation and his wartime service. Lindbergh’s drive to get away from public disapproval ultimately balanced his legacy, transforming him into a figure of complex brilliance and determination.

âť“ Frequently Asked Questions about Get Away

What is the origin of get away?

+
The phrasal verb emerged from Old English, with 'get' meaning to grasp or achieve and 'away' indicating separation or distance.

Can get away be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Get away' is neutral and can be applied in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the setting and the nature of the conversation.

What is the difference between get away and escape?

+
'Get away' emphasizes leaving for relief or freedom, while 'escape' often implies urgency, danger, or a secretive departure from constraints.
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
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Alessandra NĂłbrega
About the Author

Alessandra NĂłbrega

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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