What Does โClear sth awayโ Mean?
โClear sth awayโ means to remove objects from a place, usually by tidying or cleaning up. It involves putting things in their proper place or throwing them out.
Introduction
The phrase โclear sth awayโ is a common English phrasal verb used in everyday conversations. It refers to the action of removing items from a surface or area, often to make the space clean or organized. The clear sth away meaning is simple: to tidy up by taking things away from where they are. For example, after eating, you might clear the dishes away from the table. This phrase is useful in both casual and formal contexts and helps describe everyday activities related to cleaning and organizing. Understanding how to use โclear sth awayโ correctly can improve your communication skills, especially when talking about routines or instructions.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: clear sth away (clear something away)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: A2 (Elementary/Pre-intermediate)
- Short meaning: To remove objects from a place by tidying or cleaning
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โClear sth awayโ is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object between โclearโ and โawayโ or after โaway.โ
- clear + object + away (e.g., clear the books away)
- clear away + object (e.g., clear away the books)
Both forms are correct and commonly used.
How to Use โClear sth awayโ?
You use โclear sth awayโ when you want to say someone is removing items from a place. It often refers to cleaning after an activity, like eating or working. The phrase can also mean organizing by putting things in their right place.
It is usually followed by a direct object (the thing being removed). For example, โPlease clear the plates away.โ It is polite and common in everyday English.
Examples
- Can you clear the toys away before dinner?
- After the party, we cleared the glasses away quickly.
- She cleared the papers away from her desk to make space.
- Clear away your clothes from the floor, please.
- They cleared the snow away from the driveway early in the morning.
These examples show clear sth away in a sentence to help you understand its use.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: Clear away the away toys.
- Correct: Clear the toys away.
- Incorrect: Clear away quickly the dishes.
- Correct: Clear the dishes away quickly.
- Incorrect: Can you clear off the table?
- Correct: Can you clear the table away?
Remember, do not repeat โawayโ twice, and place the object correctly.
Differences / Synonyms
โClear sth awayโ is similar to โtidy up,โ โput away,โ and โclean up,โ but there are differences:
- Tidy up: More general; organizing and making neat.
- Put away: Means to return items to their proper place.
- Clean up: Focuses more on cleaning dirt or mess.
- Clear away: Emphasizes removing items from a surface or area, not necessarily putting them back in place.
For example, โclear away the dishesโ means removing dishes from the table, while โput away the dishesโ means putting them back in the cupboard.
Common Collocations
- clear the table away
- clear the dishes away
- clear the toys away
- clear the papers away
- clear the rubbish away
- clear the snow away
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of clear sth away:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: The kids left their toys all over the living room.
Mark: Yeah, we should clear the toys away before they break something.
Anna: Good idea! Iโll clear the toys away, and you can clear the snacks away.
Mark: Perfect, teamwork!
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) Please clear away the books.
- b) Please clear the away books.
- c) Please away clear the books.
Answer: a) Please clear away the books.
FAQs
- Q: Can โclear sth awayโ be used without an object?
A: No. It needs an object, like โclear the table away.โ - Q: Is โclear awayโ formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations. - Q: Can I say โclear away the messโ?
A: Yes, it is correct. It means removing the mess from a place. - Q: What is the difference between โclear awayโ and โthrow awayโ?
A: โClear awayโ means remove and tidy; โthrow awayโ means discard or get rid of something. - Q: Is โclear sth awayโ separable?
A: Yes, you can say โclear the plates awayโ or โclear away the plates.โ
