take away

USAGE SUMMARY

"take away" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English and can be used to mean both "remove" and "carry away".
For example, "I quickly took away the dirty plates from the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Take away its aura.

The New York Times - Arts

Take away the music.

The New Yorker

Take away the tension.

The New Yorker

"Take away food.

The New Yorker

Or take away the tablet.

Independent

It doesn't take away jobs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The take-away?

The New York Times - Sports

Whats their take-away memory?

Forbes

So what's the take-away?

Forbes

The main take-away?

TechCrunch

His take-away?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take away" in the context of subtracting numbers, ensure clarity by specifying what is being subtracted from what. For example, instead of "take away two", say "five take away two".

Common error

While "take away" is versatile, overuse can make writing sound informal. In academic or professional contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "remove", "deduct", or "eliminate" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "take away" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "take" with the particle "away" to create a new verb with meanings such as to remove something, to subtract a quantity, or to diminish an effect. Ludwig provides examples of these diverse usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "take away" is a common and versatile expression used to convey a range of meanings, including removal, subtraction, and diminishing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it might be considered slightly informal for highly academic writing, where more precise alternatives are available. Understanding the nuances of "take away" and its related phrases enhances clarity and effectiveness in written communication. Ludwig examples showcase practical applications from subtracting values to removing objects from a space. The various examples make clear the versatility of this phrasal verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove

Implies a physical or metaphorical act of taking something off or away from a place or position.

subtract

Specifically refers to the act of deducting a quantity from another, often in a mathematical context.

deduct

Similar to subtract, but often used in contexts involving money or points.

extract

Suggests carefully removing something, often with effort or precision.

withdraw

Indicates pulling something back or away, either physically or metaphorically.

eliminate

Means to completely remove or get rid of something, often something undesirable.

confiscate

To officially take or seize something, often as a penalty or legal action.

deprive of

Implies taking something away from someone, often something they have a right to.

strip of

Similar to deprive, suggesting a forceful or complete removal.

nullify

To make something invalid or without legal force.

FAQs

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

You can use "take away" in many ways, such as: "The teacher will "take away" your phone if it rings in class", or "If you "take away" three from ten, you get seven".

What can I say instead of "take away"?

You can use alternatives like "remove", "subtract", or "deduct" depending on the context.

What does "take away from" mean?

"Take away from" means to diminish or detract from something. For example, "His negative attitude "takes away" from the team's morale."

Is "take away" formal or informal?

"Take away" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but more formal alternatives like "eliminate" or "deduct" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.