whisk away

USAGE SUMMARY

"whisk away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action of quickly taking someone away from a place or situation. For example, "The dragon came to life and whisked the princess away to its magical kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two large vents then whisk away the scent before it can settle.

The New York Times - Style

One busboy tried to whisk away bread plates before we'd finished our rolls.

The New York Times

The spacecraft's thrusters will attempt to whisk away the capsule, which will then parachute into the ocean.

The New York Times - Science

He uses them to whisk away devices with batteries that burst into flames when he opens them for recycling.

The Washington Post

If you step away from the table to take a quick call, they will whisk away your drink.

The New York Times

He takes what is left after Duke, Michigan and U.C.L.A. whisk away the cream athletes in private jets.

The New York Times - Sports

These openings, along with the sipes, whisk away the thin water boundary on the road surface to improve grip.

The New York Times

The pores created by the molecules could be used to deliver food to cells and whisk away their waste products.

The New York Times - Tech

As you approach the scanning machine, the voting officials whisk away your concealing folder and you're left holding your filled-in ballot.

The New York Times

Someone must deal with flight schedules, local coroners and byzantine hospital bureaucracies generally unfriendly to those who would march into the hospital and whisk away the freshly dead.

The New York Times - Magazine

The number of functioning factories has fallen sharply, and the city has improved public transportation, but there is little wind to whisk away the still heavy pollutants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whisk away" to vividly describe a swift and often surprising removal of a person or object from a particular situation. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the speed and ease of the action.

Common error

While "whisk away" is widely accepted, it may sound too informal or whimsical in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "remove", "transport", or "extract" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "whisk away" is that of a phrasal verb. It combines the action of "whisk" with the directional particle "away" to describe a swift removal or transportation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "whisk away" is a common and correct way to describe a rapid removal or transportation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it effectively conveys a sense of speed and suddenness. While versatile, writers should consider the formality of the context, opting for more neutral alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember to emphasize the quick and decisive nature of the removal when using "whisk away".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snatch away

Emphasizes suddenness and unexpectedness of the removal, often implying a sense of theft or danger.

carry off

Implies taking something or someone, often with effort or against resistance; carries a stronger sense of physical removal.

sweep away

Suggests a more forceful and overwhelming removal, often associated with natural forces or strong emotions.

spirit away

Suggests a mysterious or magical removal, often implying secrecy or enchantment.

hurry away

Focuses on the speed and haste of departure, without necessarily implying a destination or purpose.

pluck away

Suggests removing someone or something very quickly and effortlessly from another thing it was on top of.

rush off

Similar to "hurry away" but can also suggest a lack of preparation or planning.

take away

A more general term for removing something or someone, lacking the emphasis on speed or surprise.

cart off

Suggests removing someone or something that is unable to move by its own force. The subject has to be carted by somebody or something else.

ferry away

Implies transportation by boat or other vehicle, specifying the mode of removal.

FAQs

What does "whisk away" mean?

"Whisk away" means to take someone or something quickly and suddenly from a place or situation. It often implies a sense of surprise or romance.

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

You can use "whisk away" to describe a quick removal, such as "The waiter will "whisk away" your plate when you're finished" or "He planned to "whisk away" his girlfriend for a surprise weekend getaway".

What are some alternatives to "whisk away"?

Alternatives to "whisk away" include "carry off", "sweep away", or "snatch away", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "whisk away" appropriate for formal writing?

While "whisk away" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "remove" or "transport".