square away

USAGE SUMMARY

"square away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to mean organizing or arranging something in a neat and orderly manner. Example: After a long day of work, I need to square away my desk before I can relax.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The man had some incidental expenses to square away.

The New Yorker

But this crowd stuck to the center of the square, away from the violence.

The New Yorker

Compromise So how does he square away his own liberalism with Exeter's widely-held image of privilege?

The Guardian

I wanted to square away all the business before I got here so I could focus on my recovery.

The Guardian - Music

Analysts have questioned how many users were willing to pay for Hulu alongside their cable or satellite subscriptions, and its ability to square away all concerns from potential business partners about its business model.

The New York Times

"This is a much bigger beast, and they're really going to have to square away their understanding of how to maintain it," said Maj. Ed Mack, a British officer involved in the training mission.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

A few fights squared away.

The New York Times

He's got me squared away".

The New Yorker

No, I've got that squared away.

The New York Times - Magazine

A 73-point legislative programme was also squared away.

The Economist

Here we are again, getting squared away in the New Year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "square away", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean to finish something, organize it, or resolve an issue. Clarity is key, as the phrase has multiple interpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "square away" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "finalize", "complete", or "resolve" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "square away" primarily functions as a verb of completion or arrangement. It signifies finalizing tasks, resolving issues, or organizing items. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "square away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to signify completing, organizing, or resolving matters. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While not overly formal, it's commonly found in News & Media, reflecting a neutral register. Consider alternatives like "finalize", "sort out", or "get organized" depending on the desired nuance and context. Be mindful of using it in highly formal writing, where more precise alternatives might be preferred. The phrase is valuable for efficiently conveying completion or organization in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get organized

This alternative focuses on the aspect of bringing order to something.

sort out

This phrase suggests resolving issues or clearing up confusion.

finalize

This alternative emphasizes the completion aspect of "square away".

wrap up

Focuses on the finishing aspect of a task or activity.

tidy up

Highlights the act of making something neat and orderly.

settle

This suggests resolving a matter or bringing it to a conclusion.

iron out

Focuses on resolving minor difficulties or discrepancies.

put in order

Emphasizes the act of arranging something methodically.

straighten up

Similar to tidy up, but can also imply improving a situation.

complete preparations

This alternative focuses on finishing all the necessary preparations.

FAQs

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

You can use "square away" to mean finishing a task, like in "I need to "square away" these reports before leaving work". It can also mean to organize something, such as "Let's "square away" the office before the meeting".

What are some alternatives to using "square away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "get organized", "sort out", or "finalize" instead of "square away".

Is it appropriate to use "square away" in formal writing?

While "square away" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "complete", "resolve", or "organize".

What does it mean to "square away" something?

To ""square away"" something means to finish it, get it organized, or resolve any outstanding issues related to it. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it's used.