Mastering the Phrasal Verb: Clear Away
Whether you are tidying up your desk after a long day of work or helping a host pack up after a dinner party, you are likely performing an action that native speakers describe as clear away. This versatile phrasal verb is a staple of everyday English, often used to describe the process of moving items out of an area to restore order or create space. Learning how to use this phrase correctly will help you sound more natural and precise in your daily communication.
Understanding the Meaning and Usage
At its core, clear away means to remove items from a specific place, usually because they are no longer needed, are in the way, or to prepare a surface for another purpose. While it often implies cleaning or tidying, it specifically focuses on the act of shifting objects from one spot to another so that the area is free of clutter.
You will most frequently hear this verb used in domestic or workplace settings. Here are some common ways it is applied:
- Clearing a table: Removing plates, glasses, and cutlery after a meal.
- Removing obstacles: Moving items from a path or workspace to ensure safety or efficiency.
- Decluttering: Packing away scattered items like books, toys, or paperwork.
Grammar Patterns
Clear away is a separable phrasal verb, meaning you can place a direct object between the two parts or keep them together. It is almost always used as a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object.
Pattern 1: Verb + Object
Example: "Please clear away the dishes before we start the game."
Pattern 2: Verb + Particle + Object
Example: "You should clear away those old files from your desk."
Pattern 3: Verb + Object + Particle (Separated)
Example: "I finally cleared the papers away so I could use my laptop."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learners often confuse clear away with other similar verbs like "clear out" or "clean up." While they share some similarities, there are subtle differences:
- Clear away vs. Clear out: We use clear away when moving objects from a surface or area to tidy up. We use clear out when emptying the contents of a container, such as a drawer, a closet, or an entire room.
- The "Object" requirement: Remember that clear away needs an object. You cannot simply say, "I am going to clear away now." Instead, you must specify what is being cleared, such as, "I am going to clear away the mess."
- Misusing "away": Avoid using clear away to talk about cleaning a mess with liquid. If you spill juice on the floor, you "clean up" or "wipe up" the spill, rather than "clearing it away."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "clear away" formal or informal?
It is generally considered neutral. It is perfectly acceptable in both professional settings, such as a restaurant or office, and informal settings like your own home.
Can "clear away" be used for abstract things?
Sometimes, we use the phrase figuratively to describe the passing of negative feelings or weather. For example: "The morning breeze helped to clear away the dark clouds."
What is a synonym for clear away?
Depending on the context, you could use words like remove, tidy up, put away, or take off (when referring to a table).
Does "clear away" imply cleaning with soap and water?
Not necessarily. Clear away refers to the act of relocating items. If you are scrubbing a surface, you are cleaning, not just clearing away.
Conclusion
The phrasal verb clear away is an essential tool for describing the process of organizing your environment. By understanding that it focuses on moving items out of sight or out of the way, you can easily integrate it into your vocabulary. Whether you are tidying up a dinner table or organizing your workspace, remembering these usage patterns will help you communicate with confidence and clarity.