to throw away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to throw away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to discarding or disposing of something that is no longer wanted or needed. Example: "After cleaning out the garage, I decided to throw away the old furniture that was taking up space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It kills me to throw away a race like that".

The New York Times - Sports

She hesitates to throw away even the smallest things.

The New Yorker

They've simply found other ways to throw away their money.

The New York Times

We want them to throw away the gun".

The New York Times

"It's not a vote I'm just going to throw away".

The New York Times

We no longer feel compelled to throw away our comics.

The Guardian - Film

Why would we want to throw away that opportunity?

The Guardian - Opinion

That gold is very much hers to throw away now.

The Guardian - Sport

"Some people are happy to throw away their past.

The New York Times

To throw away that opportunity is a tremendous waste".

The New York Times

And another threatens to throw away the break.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to throw away" in formal writing, consider whether a more precise synonym like "discard" or "dispose of" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "to throw away" in highly formal documents like legal contracts or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "dispose of" or "discard" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to throw away" functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It describes an action related to discarding or getting rid of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to throw away" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the act of discarding something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it's suitable for most general contexts, formal writing may benefit from more precise alternatives like "discard" or "dispose of". Its high frequency in news and media sources underscores its widespread understanding and acceptance, making it a reliable choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to discard

This alternative is a more formal synonym, implying a deliberate act of getting rid of something.

to dispose of

This alternative suggests a proper or organized method of getting rid of something, often waste or unwanted items.

to get rid of

This alternative is a more casual and general way of saying to eliminate or remove something.

to relinquish

This alternative is more formal and suggests giving up something, often a possession or right.

to abandon

This alternative implies leaving something behind, often permanently and without intending to return.

to reject

This alternative suggests refusing to accept something, often an offer or idea.

to scrap

This alternative suggests discarding something because it's broken, useless, or no longer needed.

to ditch

This alternative is informal and suggests getting rid of something quickly or secretively.

to cast aside

This alternative emphasizes a more forceful rejection or dismissal of something.

to write off

This alternative is commonly used in financial contexts, meaning to recognize something as a loss or no longer valuable.

FAQs

What does "to throw away" mean?

The phrase "to throw away" means to get rid of something that is no longer wanted or needed, often by putting it in the trash or discarding it.

What can I say instead of "to throw away"?

You can use alternatives like "to discard", "to dispose of", or "to get rid of depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "throw away" or "throw out"?

Both "throw away" and "throw out" are commonly used and generally interchangeable. However, "throw away" might be slightly more common in some regions.

When should I use a more formal alternative to "to throw away"?

In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "to discard" or "to dispose of" to maintain a professional tone.