Put Away – Meaning and Examples
Do you ever feel like your room is a mess, or your desk is covered in papers? Maybe your mom or teacher tells you, “It’s time to put away your things!” This useful phrasal verb is perfect for talking about tidying up, saving money, or even storing food. Let’s learn how to use it in everyday life!
What Does “Put Away” Mean?
“Put away” means to place something in its proper place or to save something for later. Think of it like cleaning up your toys after playing or saving money in a piggy bank. It’s not about throwing things out—it’s about keeping them organized or safe for the future.
When to Use It
You can use “put away” in many situations:
- When tidying up your room, desk, or workspace.
- When saving money for something special.
- When storing food in the fridge or pantry.
This phrase is neutral and works in both casual and formal conversations.
Example Sentences
- “Please put away your books when you’re done reading.”
- “I put away some money every month to save for a new bike.”
- “Can you help me put away the groceries?”
- “After playing, the kids need to put away their toys.”
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Mom, where should I put away my winter clothes now that it’s summer?”
Mom: “You can put them away in the storage box under your bed.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “put away” with “throw away.” “Put away” means to keep something, not to discard it.
- ❌ Don’t: “I decided to put away my old notebook in the trash.” (Use “throw away” instead.)
- ✅ Do: “I need to put away my notebook in my backpack.”
Practice Tip
Try using “put away” the next time you clean your room or save something. Say it out loud: “I need to put away my shoes in the closet!”
Final Note
Now you know how to use “put away” like a natural English speaker! This phrasal verb is simple but very useful for talking about organizing or saving things. Practice using it in your daily life, and soon it will feel automatic. Great job!
