threw them away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "threw them away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to discarding or disposing of items that are no longer wanted or needed. Example: "After cleaning out the garage, I found several old boxes and threw them away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"She threw them away".

The New Yorker

He threw them away.

The New Yorker

Most likely, he threw them away.

The New Yorker

"I always just threw them away.

The New York Times

And unfortunately, he threw them away".

The Guardian - Music

"I tore them up and threw them away".

The New York Times

I loved them, but I threw them away anyway.

The New York Times - Magazine

I pulled out the back seats and threw them away".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Throw them away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They throw them away.

The New York Times

Collect books or throw them away?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "threw them away", ensure the context clearly indicates what "them" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader. For example, instead of saying "I didn't need the papers and threw them away", it is best practice to state precisely what was discarded, clarifying as "I didn't need the old tax papers and threw them away".

Common error

Avoid using "threw them away" without providing context or reason. Instead of saying "He threw them away", specify the reason for disposal. For example, "He threw them away because they were broken beyond repair".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "threw them away" functions as a phrasal verb expressing the action of discarding or disposing of items. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used. This indicates its role in everyday language for describing the removal of unwanted objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "threw them away" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that items have been discarded. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It functions as a phrasal verb with a neutral register, suitable for various communication contexts. While alternatives like "discarded them" or "disposed of them" exist, "threw them away" remains a direct and frequently used option. Ensure clarity by specifying what "them" refers to in your writing. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, but also in Science, Wiki and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

threw them out

Very similar alternative, almost identical in meaning and usage.

discarded them

Formal alternative that emphasizes the act of getting rid of something unwanted.

disposed of them

Formal and neutral alternative that highlights the proper handling of unwanted items.

got rid of them

Informal and common alternative that focuses on the removal of something.

eliminated them

More formal and suggests a complete removal or eradication of something.

trashed them

Informal alternative that implies the items were worthless or broken.

chucked them out

Informal alternative that suggests a more casual or careless disposal.

dumped them

Suggests discarding items in a specific location, often implying it shouldn't be there.

scrapped them

Specifically implies that the items were broken down for recycling or reuse of materials.

jettisoned them

More formal and less frequent; suitable for technical or dramatic contexts where speed or urgency is involved.

FAQs

How can I use "threw them away" in a sentence?

The phrase "threw them away" is used to indicate the action of discarding items that are no longer needed or wanted. Example: "After the renovation, they "threw them away" old furniture".

What are some alternatives to "threw them away"?

You can use alternatives such as "discarded them", "disposed of them", or "got rid of them" depending on the context. The alternative "threw them out" is a very similar phrase.

Is it better to say "threw it away" or "threw them away"?

The choice depends on whether you are referring to a single item or multiple items. Use "threw it away" for a single item, and "threw them away" for multiple items.

What's the difference between "threw them away" and "put them away"?

"Threw them away" means to discard something, while "put them away" means to store something in its proper place. They have opposite meanings.