get away

USAGE SUMMARY

'get away' is an appropriate and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean either to physically leave or move away from something, or to metaphorically escape or avoid an unpleasant situation. For example: I was so overwhelmed with work that I just wanted to get away for the weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can't get away.

The New Yorker

"They always get away".

The New York Times

Get away.5.5

The New York Times

"Get away from me".

The New York Times

Get away from him!

The New York Times - Magazine

Want to get away?

The New York Times - Arts

Most foxes get away.

The New Yorker

I can't get away.

The New York Times - Magazine

I had to get away.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And I yelled, 'Get away!

The New York Times

Get away, you nasty toad!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get away" to mean escape or avoid, consider the context. For a physical escape, it's straightforward. For a metaphorical escape, ensure the context makes it clear what you are escaping from.

Common error

A common error is omitting or using the wrong preposition after "get away". When specifying what you are escaping from, always use "from". Saying "get away this situation" is incorrect; it should be "get away from this situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "get away" primarily functions as a verb indicating either physical movement away from something or escape from a situation, as shown in Ludwig examples. It can also function as an interjection expressing disbelief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get away" is a versatile phrasal verb with meanings ranging from physical escape to expressing disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its widespread use in news, media and general writing makes it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. When using "get away", be mindful of the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear, particularly when it comes to the use of prepositions and formal/informal contexts. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "get away" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escape

A more concise and direct synonym for physically or metaphorically leaving a situation.

flee

Implies a hurried or panicked departure from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.

leave

A general term for departing from a place or situation.

break free

Highlights the act of liberating oneself from confinement or restriction.

take off

A more casual way of saying to leave quickly or unexpectedly.

abscond

Suggests a secretive and often illegal departure, typically to avoid capture or prosecution.

disappear

Emphasizes the act of vanishing or becoming unnoticeable to avoid detection.

make off

Often used in the context of escaping with something stolen or after committing a crime.

retreat

Implies withdrawing from a confrontation or dangerous situation.

vamoose

An informal and somewhat humorous way to say to leave quickly.

FAQs

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

You can use "get away" in sentences like, "I need to "take a break" and "get away" from work for a while", or "The robber tried to "escape", but the police wouldn't let him "get away".

What does "get away with" mean?

"Get away with" means to do something wrong or illegal without being caught or punished. For example, "He can't believe he will "avoid punishment" and "get away with" robbing the bank".

Is "get away" formal or informal?

"Get away" is generally considered informal, especially when used as an interjection expressing disbelief. In other contexts, like escaping a situation, it's more neutral and widely acceptable.

What are some alternatives to "get away" when expressing disbelief?

When expressing disbelief, you can use alternatives like "no way", "you're kidding", or "I don't believe it" instead of "get away".