What Does โFold sth awayโ Mean?
โFold sth awayโ means to fold an object neatly and put it out of sight or into a smaller space. It usually refers to items like clothes, papers, or furniture.
Introduction
The phrase โfold sth awayโ is a common phrasal verb in English. It combines the verb โfold,โ which means to bend something over itself, with โaway,โ which implies putting something out of sight or into storage. When you fold something away, you are not just folding it; you are also putting it somewhere safe or tidy. For example, you might fold away your clothes after washing or fold away a camping chair after use. Understanding the fold sth away meaning helps learners use the expression naturally in everyday situations. It is often used in homes, offices, and outdoor settings where space needs to be saved or kept organized.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: fold something away
- Type: transitive
- Level: A2โB2
- Meaning: to fold an item neatly and put it out of sight or into storage
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โFold sth awayโ is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object between โfoldโ and โawayโ or after โaway.โ
- Fold + object + away
Example: Please fold the blanket away. - Fold away + object
Example: Please fold away the blanket.
Both forms are correct and commonly used. The object must be a noun or noun phrase.
How to Use โFold sth awayโ?
Use โfold sth awayโ when talking about folding an item neatly and storing it to keep a space tidy. It is often used with clothes, furniture, papers, or any foldable object. The phrase emphasizes both the folding action and putting the item into a storage place.
For example, after using a picnic table, you might fold it away to save space. In daily life, parents may ask children to fold away their toys or clothes. The phrase is practical and useful in both spoken and written English.
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using โfold sth awayโ:
- After dinner, she folded the tablecloth away and cleaned the kitchen.
- He always folds his maps away carefully to avoid creases.
- Can you fold away the camping chairs when you finish using them?
- She folded away the laundry and put it into the drawers.
- Fold sth away in a sentence: โPlease fold the sheets away to keep the room tidy.โ
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse โfold sth awayโ with similar phrases or use it incorrectly in sentences. Here are some common errors:
- Incorrect: Fold away carefully the clothes.
Correct: Fold the clothes away carefully. - Incorrect: Can you fold away?
Correct: Can you fold the chairs away? - Incorrect: Fold the away clothes.
Correct: Fold the clothes away.
Remember, the object must be present and placed correctly in the sentence.
Differences / Synonyms
โFold sth awayโ is similar to โput awayโ and โpack away,โ but there are differences:
- Put away: Means to store something without focusing on folding. You can put away items that donโt need folding.
- Pack away: Often means to pack items into boxes or bags, usually for travel or storage.
- Fold sth away: Specifically emphasizes the folding action before storing.
For example, you can put away toys without folding, but you fold away clothes or blankets.
Common Collocations
Here are some common objects you can fold away:
- Clothes: Shirts, pants, blankets
- Furniture: Chairs, tables, beds (foldable types)
- Papers: Maps, documents, posters
- Other items: Camping gear, picnic mats
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of fold sth away:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a simple conversation using โfold sth awayโ:
Anna: The picnic is over. Can you fold the blanket away?
Ben: Sure! Should I put it in the bag?
Anna: Yes, fold it neatly and fold it away in the bag.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โfold sth awayโ:
- After using the lawn chairs, please ________ them ________.
- She always ________ her clothes ________ to keep the room tidy.
- Can you help me ________ the maps ________ after the trip?
FAQs
- Q: Is โfold sth awayโ formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can I say โfold awayโ without an object?
A: Usually, you need to include the object (e.g., fold the chair away). - Q: What is the difference between โfold awayโ and โput awayโ?
A: โFold awayโ focuses on folding before storing; โput awayโ means just storing. - Q: Can โfold awayโ be used for paper?
A: Yes, you can fold away papers like maps or letters. - Q: Is โfold sth awayโ separable?
A: Yes, you can say โfold the chair awayโ or โfold away the chair.โ
