drove away

USAGE SUMMARY

"drove away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a verb phrase often used to indicate that someone is leaving a place in a car, either to another location or home. For example, "After the party, they drove away in the dark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

A taxi drove away.

The New Yorker

They drove away.

The New York Times

They paid, & drove away.

The New Yorker

The Bentley drove away.

The New York Times

Then they drove away.

The New Yorker

He just drove away.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

He drives away.

The New York Times

Then he drives away.

The New York Times

She drives away.

The New Yorker

It drives away.

The New York Times

Then they would drive away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drove away" to clearly indicate that someone left a location in a car, especially when the mode of transportation is relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "drove away" when the mode of transport is not a car or when a more general term like "left" is more appropriate. "Drove away" specifically denotes vehicular departure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drove away" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a verb followed by an adverbial particle. It describes the action of leaving a place in a vehicle. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drove away" is a very common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the action of leaving a place in a vehicle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, this neutral-register phrase serves to describe a departure, often implying closure to a situation. While alternatives like "drove off" or "departed by car" exist, "drove away" is a reliable and versatile choice for indicating vehicular departure in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Drove off

Synonymous with "drove away", indicating a quick or abrupt departure.

Departed by car

Focuses on the act of leaving by car, emphasizing the mode of transportation.

Took off in the car

An informal way of describing a departure in a car, often sudden.

Left in a vehicle

A broader term that indicates leaving using any type of vehicle.

Sped off

Implies a very fast departure in a vehicle.

Made off by car

Implies a hurried or secretive departure, often after committing a crime.

Exited by automobile

A formal way of saying someone left using a car.

Motorized departure

A more formal and technical way to describe leaving in a vehicle.

Vehicular retreat

Suggests a withdrawal or strategic departure using a vehicle.

Hit the road

An informal way of saying someone started their journey in a car.

FAQs

How to use "drove away" in a sentence?

You can use "drove away" to describe someone leaving a place in a car, like "After the argument, he "drove away" in anger".

What can I say instead of "drove away"?

Alternatives include "drove off", "left in a car", or "departed by car", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "drove away" formal or informal?

"Drove away" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "departed by car" might be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "drove away" and "drove off"?

"Drove away" and "drove off" are largely synonymous, but "drove off" often implies a quicker or more abrupt departure than "drove away".