throw away
Discard as useless
Literally: to propel (throw) in a direction away from oneself (away)
In 15 Seconds
- To put something in the trash permanently.
- Can be used for physical objects or wasted opportunities.
- Place 'it' or 'them' in the middle: 'throw it away'.
Meaning
This phrase means to put something in the trash because you don't need it anymore. It's about getting rid of things that are old, broken, or useless.
Key Examples
3 of 6Cleaning the kitchen
Can you throw away those old leftovers in the fridge?
Can you throw away those old leftovers in the fridge?
In a business meeting
We shouldn't throw away this chance to partner with them.
We shouldn't throw away this chance to partner with them.
Texting a roommate
Hey, don't throw away that box! I need it for moving.
Hey, don't throw away that box! I need it for moving.
Cultural Background
The US is often called a 'throwaway culture' due to the high volume of single-use plastics and disposable goods. There is a growing movement to reduce this through 'zero-waste' lifestyles. In Japan, throwing things away is a complex process. Garbage must be meticulously sorted into categories like 'combustible', 'non-combustible', and 'recyclable'. Germany has a very high recycling rate. Throwing away something that could be recycled (like a glass bottle) is socially frowned upon and can even result in fines. British people often use the word 'rubbish' instead of 'trash' or 'garbage'. They might say 'bin it' instead of 'throw it away'.
The Pronoun Rule
Always remember: 'Throw it away'. If you say 'Throw away it', native speakers will immediately know you are a learner.
Don't use for people
Never say you 'threw away' a person unless you are writing a very dramatic or dark story. It sounds like you treated them like trash.
In 15 Seconds
- To put something in the trash permanently.
- Can be used for physical objects or wasted opportunities.
- Place 'it' or 'them' in the middle: 'throw it away'.
What It Means
Throw away is your go-to phrase for cleaning up. It means moving something from your hand into the bin. You use it for physical trash like old papers. You also use it for things you don't want anymore. It implies the item is gone for good. Don't expect to see it again!
How To Use It
This is a 'separable' phrasal verb. That sounds fancy, but it's simple. You can say throw away the trash. You can also say throw the trash away. Both are perfect. If you use a pronoun like it, you must put it in the middle. Always say throw it away. Never say throw away it—that sounds a bit robotic!
When To Use It
Use it every day at home or work. Use it when you are decluttering your room. Use it when you finish a snack and need a bin. It's great for talking about missed opportunities too. If you waste a chance, you throw away an opportunity. It feels a bit more dramatic that way.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for people! You don't throw away a friend. If you want to say you ended a relationship, use break up. Also, don't use it for recycling. If you are being eco-friendly, say recycle. Throw away usually means it's going to a landfill.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, there is a big 'throw-away' culture. This means people buy things, use them once, and bin them. However, people are becoming more conscious now. You might hear people say, "Don't throw that away!" because they want to donate it. It’s a word that sits right in the middle of the consumerism debate.
Common Variations
In the UK, you might hear throw out. It means the exact same thing. In the US, trash it is a common slang version. If you want to sound more formal, use dispose of. But for a coffee with friends, throw away is the king of phrases.
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfectly safe for 95% of situations. Just remember the word order with pronouns (throw IT away) and you'll sound like a pro.
The Pronoun Rule
Always remember: 'Throw it away'. If you say 'Throw away it', native speakers will immediately know you are a learner.
Don't use for people
Never say you 'threw away' a person unless you are writing a very dramatic or dark story. It sounds like you treated them like trash.
Recycling vs. Throwing Away
In many modern cities, people distinguish between 'throwing away' (trash) and 'recycling'. Be careful which one you use!
Examples
6Can you throw away those old leftovers in the fridge?
Can you throw away those old leftovers in the fridge?
Standard use for physical waste.
We shouldn't throw away this chance to partner with them.
We shouldn't throw away this chance to partner with them.
Metaphorical use meaning 'to waste'.
Hey, don't throw away that box! I need it for moving.
Hey, don't throw away that box! I need it for moving.
A direct request in a casual text.
It's broken beyond repair, so I had to throw it away.
It's broken beyond repair, so I had to throw it away.
Notice 'it' is in the middle of the phrase.
Are you keeping these socks, or should I throw them away before they walk off?
Are you keeping these socks, or should I throw them away before they walk off?
Using humor to suggest something is very dirty.
I felt like I was throwing away my future by quitting school.
I felt like I was throwing away my future by quitting school.
Expressing deep regret about a life choice.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'throw away'.
I have too many old clothes. I need to ______ ______.
The pronoun 'them' must go in the middle of the phrasal verb.
Which sentence uses the figurative meaning of 'throw away'?
Select the correct sentence:
In this sentence, 'throw away' means to waste an opportunity, which is the figurative sense.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'Why are you still keeping that old phone?' B: 'I don't know. I should probably ______.'
The modal 'should' is followed by the base form of the verb, and the pronoun 'it' goes in the middle.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'They threw away a 20-point lead.'
'Throwing away a lead' is a common sports expression for losing a winning position.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What can you throw away?
Physical
- • Trash
- • Old clothes
- • Broken toys
Abstract
- • Opportunities
- • Talent
- • A lead in a game
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI have too many old clothes. I need to ______ ______.
The pronoun 'them' must go in the middle of the phrasal verb.
Select the correct sentence:
In this sentence, 'throw away' means to waste an opportunity, which is the figurative sense.
A: 'Why are you still keeping that old phone?' B: 'I don't know. I should probably ______.'
The modal 'should' is followed by the base form of the verb, and the pronoun 'it' goes in the middle.
Sentence: 'They threw away a 20-point lead.'
'Throwing away a lead' is a common sports expression for losing a winning position.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsThere is almost no difference. 'Throw out' is slightly more common in the US, while 'throw away' is used everywhere. Both are correct.
No, it is neutral to informal. In a formal report, use 'discard' or 'dispose of'.
Yes, you can say 'I threw away those old files', but 'I deleted those files' is more common.
Yes. 'Throwed' is incorrect. Always use 'threw' for the past tense.
It refers to a comment made casually, as if it's not important, even if it actually is.
Related Phrases
throw out
synonymTo discard something.
get rid of
similarTo make yourself free of something unwanted.
dispose of
formalTo get rid of something properly.
waste
similarTo use something carelessly.
