throw something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "throw something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the action of propelling an object through the air using force. Example: "He decided to throw something into the river." Alternative expressions include "toss something" and "hurl something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Throw something at me".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Now when somebody punches, we throw something back.

The New York Times - Sports

"I need you to throw something away for me".

The New Yorker

We'll throw something up on Netflix or the DVR.

The New York Times

For the prime minister to throw something at Balls.

The Guardian

I would give anything to throw something away and never see it again.

The New Yorker

"It would have been easy for someone to throw something in his cage," Chaffin said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I saw the one guy throw something at the other guy's face," he said.

The New York Times

"While I love symmetry, I do try to throw something off," he said.

The New York Times

It's a great line, and even today hearing it makes me want to throw something.

The New Yorker

"We're going to start small, throw something out there and see what works".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "throw something" to describe an action, consider the context to ensure the verb accurately reflects the force and intention behind the throw. Choose alternative verbs like "toss", "hurl", or "fling" for nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "throw something" in formal or professional writing when a more precise or sophisticated verb is appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "we'll throw something out there", consider using "we will propose an initial plan".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "throw something" functions as a verb phrase where "throw" is the verb and "something" is the direct object. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid. It describes the action of propelling an unspecified object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "throw something" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used to describe the act of propelling an unspecified object. According to Ludwig, it's usage is appropriate. Its register typically ranges from informal to neutral, with frequent occurrences in news and media, as well as wiki-based content. While more formal or scientific contexts are less common, the phrase maintains versatility in everyday language. Alternatives such as "toss something" or "hurl something" can add nuance depending on the context. The phrase's straightforward nature makes it a valuable tool for clear communication across various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toss an item

Focuses on a lighter, less forceful action of throwing.

hurl an object

Implies a more forceful and aggressive act of throwing.

fling something

Suggests a quick and careless throwing motion.

pitch an object

Refers to throwing something with a specific aim, like in baseball.

chuck something

Informal way of saying to throw something, often casually.

lob something

Implies throwing something in a high arc.

discard an item

Focuses on getting rid of something by throwing it away.

launch an object

Suggests a powerful or mechanical throw.

project something

Implies throwing something with intention and force, often in a specific direction.

propel an item

More formal way of describing the act of throwing something forward.

FAQs

How can I use "throw something" in a sentence?

You can use "throw something" to describe the action of propelling an object through the air. For example, "He decided to "throw something" into the trash can".

What can I say instead of "throw something"?

You can use alternatives like "toss something", "hurl something", or "fling something" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "throw something" or "throw away something"?

"Throw something" is a general term for propelling an object, while "throw away something" specifically means discarding an item. Both are correct, but their meanings differ.

What's the difference between "throw something" and "discard something"?

"Throw something" refers to the physical act of propelling an object, while "discard something" means getting rid of it, often by throwing it away.