What Does โToss sth awayโ Mean?
โToss sth awayโ means to throw something away or get rid of it, usually because it is no longer needed or wanted.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โtoss sth awayโ is commonly used in everyday English to describe the act of throwing something out or discarding it. Understanding the toss sth away meaning helps learners express the idea of getting rid of objects easily. This phrase is often used when talking about trash or items that are no longer useful. Whether youโre cleaning your room or talking about waste disposal, knowing how to use โtoss sth awayโ will improve your English communication skills.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: toss something away
- Type: transitive
- Level: A2 (Elementary)
- Short meaning: to throw something out or discard it
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โToss sth awayโ is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object between โtossโ and โawayโ or after โaway.โ
- toss something away (correct)
- toss away something (also correct but less common)
Example patterns:
- Subject + toss + object + away
- Subject + toss + away + object
How to Use Toss sth away?
Use โtoss sth awayโ when you want to say that someone throws an item out. It is often used with things like trash, food, papers, or old clothes. The verb โtossโ gives a casual or light sense of throwing, not a heavy or forceful throw.
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using โtoss sth awayโ:
- She decided to toss the old magazines away to make space.
- Donโt toss away that receipt; you might need it for a return.
- After the party, we tossed all the empty bottles away.
- He tossed the broken toy away because it was beyond repair.
- Please toss away your trash in the bin.
These examples show how to use โtoss sth away in a sentenceโ correctly in everyday situations.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes, learners mix up the word order or use the wrong verb. Here are some common errors:
- Incorrect: Toss away the trash it.
- Correct: Toss the trash away.
- Incorrect: Throw away it.
- Correct: Throw it away.
Remember, the object usually comes between โtossโ and โaway.โ
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include โthrow away,โ โget rid of,โ and โdiscard.โ โToss sth awayโ is similar to โthrow away,โ but โtossโ implies a lighter or more casual action. โGet rid ofโ is more general and can be used for non-physical things too. โDiscardโ is more formal and often used in written English.
Common Collocations
We often use โtoss sth awayโ with common objects. Here are some examples:
- toss food away (throw away uneaten food)
- toss trash away (dispose of garbage)
- toss paper away (throw out papers or documents)
- toss clothes away (discard old or unwanted clothes)
- toss bottles away (throw empty bottles in the bin)
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of toss sth away:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โtoss sth awayโ:
Anna: This old shirt has holes. Should I keep it?
Ben: No, just toss it away. You donโt need it anymore.
Anna: Okay, Iโll toss it away now.
Practice
Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of โtoss sth awayโ:
- Donโt ________ the old batteries ________; they need special disposal.
- She ________ all the expired food ________ yesterday.
- We should ________ that broken chair ________.
FAQ
- Q: Can I use โtoss awayโ with people?
A: No, โtoss awayโ is used for objects, not people. - Q: Is โtoss awayโ formal or informal?
A: It is informal and common in everyday speech. - Q: Can I say โtoss it awayโ?
A: Yes, you can separate the phrasal verb like that. - Q: What is the difference between โtoss awayโ and โthrow awayโ?
A: โToss awayโ sounds lighter or casual, while โthrow awayโ is more general. - Q: Is โtoss awayโ always about garbage?
A: Usually yes, but it can also mean discarding any unwanted item.
