scram

USAGE SUMMARY

"scram" is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It is an informal term meaning to leave quickly or depart, often used as an imperative. Example sentence: "Scram, I don't want to see you here anymore!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In transient without scram, the assumed event is an insertion of positive reactivity for example, through an undesired withdrawal of the shim rods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A powerful earthquake shook all units at the plant, initiating an automatic shutdown, or scram.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to PRA studies, three categories of events are primarily responsible for the risks associated with LWRs namely, station blackout, so-called transient without scram, and loss of cooling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Better still, when the same man surprises Michel and Franck in a naked embrace, Michel tells him to scram because they're trying to have a private conversation.

The New Yorker

To its critics, the E.D.L. is, at best, a nuisance and, at worst, a scourge — a travelling team of troublemakers who descend upon a town on a Saturday afternoon; take it over for a few hours; and scram, leaving behind bruised bodies, shattered glass, and bad feelings.

The New Yorker

That requires telling her alter ego, the one she calls "the evil Mirai," to scram.

The New York Times - Sports

In an incredible scene, he ushers his other girlfriend (yup) and her children into the narrator's house, then flees when the girlfriend tells him to scram, leaving the women alone to talk.

The New York Times - Books

With a reporter's camera turned on the staff member, Mr. Winter politely agreed to scram.

The New York Times

The show exudes wit — creating short vignettes, for example, to explain the elastic uses of the word "Inshallah," or "God willing," including "be patient," "scram" and "dream on".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

So until you change your sex, girlie' — he spit licorice juice on the ground — 'scram.' " When the doors of boyhood slam in her face, Lily is reduced to an anguished cry, "I'm not a girl!" But this is momentary, and Lily is nobody's notion of a follower.

The New York Times - Books

howitzer shell explode at close range, the Federal Aviation Administration announced the development of HSA Scram, a commercial jet capable of carrying 1,985 passengers at speeds up to 13,750 mph.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scram" in informal settings or when you want to convey a sense of urgency or annoyance. It's a direct and somewhat rude way to tell someone to leave.

Common error

Avoid using "scram" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more polite and professional alternatives like "please leave" or "I must ask you to depart".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scram" is as an imperative verb, used to issue a command or order, typically to leave immediately. It's often used in informal contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "scram" functions primarily as an imperative verb, commonly used to command someone to leave quickly and often conveying a sense of urgency or annoyance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness, yet advises caution in formal settings due to its informal register. While predominantly found in News & Media, and Encyclopedia, its usage also extends to other contexts, albeit less frequently. Consider alternatives like ""get out of here"" or "go away" to tailor the level of politeness to your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get out of here

A more common and versatile phrase for telling someone to leave.

go away

A direct and simple command to leave.

leave immediately

Emphasizes the urgency of departure.

be gone

A more forceful and somewhat archaic way to tell someone to leave.

get lost

An impolite way to tell someone to leave, often expressing anger.

take off

Suggests a quick and sudden departure.

beat it

A slang term for leaving quickly.

make yourself scarce

Suggests leaving quietly and discreetly.

vamoose

An informal and somewhat humorous term for leaving.

clear off

A British English term for telling someone to leave.

FAQs

How to use "scram" in a sentence?

You can use "scram" as an imperative to tell someone to leave quickly. For example, "If you don't "get out of here", I'll call the police!"

What can I say instead of "scram"?

You can use alternatives like "go away", "get lost", or "leave immediately" depending on the context and your desired level of formality.

Is "scram" a polite way to tell someone to leave?

No, "scram" is generally considered impolite. It's best to use more courteous phrases like "please leave" or "I must ask you to depart" in formal situations.

What is the origin of the word "scram"?

The word "scram" comes from "scaraim," meaning "I get away".