cast away

USAGE SUMMARY

"cast away" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to mean to throw something away, abandon, or discard something. Example: "The family cast away their old furniture to make room for the new."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just BAIT your hook and cast away.

The New York Times

Wilson!" in the movie "Cast Away".

The New York Times

Ultimately "Cast Away" has to end somewhere.

The New York Times

"Cast Away," I think it was called?

The New Yorker

Wil-ssonnn!" — in the epic 2000 blockbuster "Cast Away".

The New Yorker

In firing him, they have cast away their shield.

The New York Times

Tom Hanks was a distant third for "Cast Away".

The New York Times

"Cast Away" is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned).

The New York Times

Just then, a salmon rolled a short cast away.

The New York Times - Sports

* "CAST AWAY," starring Tom Hanks and Helen Hunt.

The New York Times

"CAST AWAY" Tom Hanks in Robinson Crusoe mode (and weight).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast away" when you want to emphasize the act of discarding something, abandoning someone in a remote location, or eliminating an abstract worry or fear. Ensure the context clearly reflects the intended meaning, as it can range from physical disposal to emotional release.

Common error

Avoid using "cast away" when a simpler alternative like "discard" or "abandon" is more appropriate. The phrase carries a stronger connotation of finality or isolation, so ensure it fits the tone and severity of the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cast away" functions as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It signifies the act of discarding, abandoning, or rejecting something or someone. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from physical disposal to emotional release.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "cast away" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies discarding, abandoning, or rejecting. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability and proper usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia and Encyclopedias sources, its register is typically neutral, though the context can elevate its formality. When writing, use it to convey a sense of finality or isolation and use Ludwig's examples to correctly contextualize the sentences. Remember to consider synonyms like "discard" or "abandon" for simpler alternatives if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discard

Focuses on the act of getting rid of something no longer wanted or needed.

abandon

Emphasizes leaving someone or something behind, often in a difficult situation.

throw away

Highlights the act of physically disposing of something.

get rid of

A more general term for eliminating something undesirable.

dispose of

A more formal way to say "get rid of".

maroon

Specifically refers to abandoning someone on an island or isolated place.

leave stranded

Implies leaving someone in a helpless position.

reject

Suggests a deliberate refusal to accept something or someone.

repudiate

Implies a formal rejection or denial.

forsake

Emphasizes abandoning a moral or ethical obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "cast away" in a sentence?

You can use "cast away" to mean discard something, as in "She cast away her old clothes". It can also mean to abandon someone, like "The sailors were cast away on a desert island". Additionally, it can mean to eliminate, such as "He cast away his doubts".

What can I say instead of "cast away"?

You can use alternatives like "discard", "abandon", or "get rid of" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "cast away" and "throw away"?

"Cast away" often implies a more forceful or final act of discarding, sometimes with an element of abandonment or rejection. "Throw away" is generally a more casual term for disposing of something.

Is it correct to use "cast away" in a formal context?

Yes, "cast away" can be used in formal contexts, especially when conveying a sense of decisive abandonment or disposal. However, consider whether a more neutral term like "dispose of" or "eliminate" might be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.