toss it out

USAGE SUMMARY

"toss it out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to suggest discarding something. Example: I don't like this old chair; let's just toss it out.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Which is why Professor Baumol wears a $7 wristwatch — and why, when its battery runs out, he will very likely toss it out and buy a new one.

The New York Times

If it doesn't work, toss it out, try another one".

The New York Times

You don't toss it out when you want new entertainment".

The New York Times - Tech

But once she turns away, often I'll toss it out again".

The New York Times

Recipients remove the paper with care and are disinclined to toss it out, the younger Mr. Arnoldi noted.

The New York Times

He's found there's no better way to refine a thought than to toss it out in front of a roomful of critical teenagers.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The Smithsonian almost tossed it out.

The Washington Post

Sasha tossed it out the window.

The New Yorker

Do you ever feel guilty about tossing it out?

The New York Times

Morton held his parachute in his arms and tossed it out as he fell over Venice Beach, California.

The New Yorker

After Mr. Thompson won a $14 million jury verdict for his suffering, the Supreme Court tossed it out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about waste management or recycling, avoid "toss it out" and choose a more environmentally conscious phrase such as "dispose of properly" or "recycle".

Common error

While acceptable in casual settings, "toss it out" can sound unprofessional or flippant in formal reports or business correspondence. Opt for more neutral or formal alternatives like "discard", "dispose of", or "eliminate".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "toss it out" is as a phrasal verb. It functions as a verb phrase that signifies the action of discarding or throwing something away. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "toss it out" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrasal verb that suggests discarding something. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's more fitting for casual conversations than formal writing. Alternatives such as ""discard it"" or ""dispose of it"" are more appropriate in professional contexts. It appears commonly in news and media, as the usage examples displayed by Ludwig illustrate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throw it away

Uses a more common and straightforward term for disposal.

discard it

Replaces "toss" with a more formal term for getting rid of something.

dispose of it

A more formal alternative to "throw away".

get rid of it

A more general phrase for eliminating something unwanted.

dump it

A less formal and sometimes careless way of saying to get rid of something.

scrap it

Implies that something is broken or unusable and is being discarded.

reject it

Implies a conscious decision to refuse or discard something, not merely physical disposal.

eliminate it

Suggests a more thorough removal or eradication.

abandon it

Suggests leaving something behind, often with a sense of finality.

write it off

In a figurative sense, means to stop considering something as a viable option or possibility.

FAQs

What does "toss it out" mean?

The phrase "toss it out" means to discard something, usually in a quick or casual way. It implies getting rid of something that is no longer needed or wanted.

When is it appropriate to use "toss it out"?

It's appropriate to use "toss it out" in informal contexts, such as casual conversations or when giving simple instructions. In more formal situations, it's better to use phrases like "dispose of it" or "discard it".

What are some alternative phrases for "toss it out"?

Alternatives to "toss it out" include "throw it away", "get rid of it", "discard it", or "dispose of it". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is "toss it out" grammatically correct?

Yes, "toss it out" is grammatically correct as a phrasal verb. It follows the standard structure of a verb ("toss") combined with a particle ("out") to create a new meaning.