THROW AWAY

"Do not simply throw away past experiences, for they often hold the key to future wisdom and understanding."

📖 Definition

To discard something, typically because it is no longer needed, desired, or practical to keep. Often applied to physical items, but can also refer to ideas or opportunities.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To discard something, typically because it is no longer needed, desired, or practical to keep. Often applied to physical items, but can also refer to ideas or opportunities.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can come between the verb and the particle.
Register
Neutral
Used in both everyday and business contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Needs an object to complete the meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple throw away I throw away the newspapers every week.
Past Simple threw away She threw away her old shoes yesterday.
Present Continuous throwing away He is throwing away outdated paperwork.
Present Perfect have thrown away They have thrown away all unnecessary clutter.

💡 When to Use

Cleaning activities
Used when discarding unwanted or unneeded items during cleaning. This ensures a tidy environment.
Example: "We throw away old magazines during spring cleaning."
Disposing of expired items
Applied to items that are past their due date or are no longer safe to use.
Example: "She threw away the expired milk this morning."
Letting go of unhelpful thoughts
Metaphorically used when someone decides to discard negative or unproductive thoughts.
Example: "He finally threw away his doubts and made a decision."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order
❌ Wrong: She away threw the trash.
✅ Correct: She threw away the trash.
💡 Tip: Remember 'throw' first, then 'away' after the object.
Wrong verb form
❌ Wrong: I throwed away the bottle.
✅ Correct: I threw away the bottle.
💡 Tip: Use 'threw' as the past form of 'throw'.
Misplacing the object
❌ Wrong: He threw the toy away it.
✅ Correct: He threw the toy away.
💡 Tip: Don't repeat the object pronoun after the verb phrase.
Practice

THROW 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

  • 1
    Listen to example

    The company decided to throw away outdated marketing materials after the rebranding.

    The Shrinking World
  • 2
    Listen to example

    After reconsidering, he chose not to throw away the handwritten letters from his grandmother.

    The Shrinking World
  • 3
    Listen to example

    In a fit of frustration, she threatened to throw away all of his comic books.

    The Shrinking World

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dispose of discard

Antonyms

keep

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"You should never throw ___ important documents."

off
throw away
in
up

Frequently Asked Questions about Throw Away

What is the origin of throw away?

+
The phrase 'throw away' likely originates from Old English, combining 'throw' meaning to propel or cast, and 'away', suggesting distance from the speaker or action point.

Can throw away be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Throw away' is versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts, from everyday conversation about household chores to professional decisions in business environments.

What is the difference between throw away and dispose of?

+
'Throw away' is more commonly used for casual contexts, whereas 'dispose of' often appears in formal situations, especially concerning regulations or environmental guidelines.
Browse All The Shrinking World Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication 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



0%
Scroll to Top