Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Send Away"
In the English language, phrasal verbs are essential for sounding natural and precise. One such verb that appears frequently in both formal and informal contexts is send away. While it may seem simple at first glance, its meaning changes significantly depending on the situation. Whether you are discussing social boundaries or professional changes, knowing how to use this phrase will help you communicate with greater clarity and confidence.
Core Meanings and Usage
The phrasal verb send away generally refers to the act of causing someone or something to leave a place. Depending on the context, this can be a physical action, a social choice, or a professional decision.
1. To reject or stop associating with someone
When you "send someone away" in a social context, it means you are choosing not to spend time with them or are actively turning them away from your presence. It often carries a sense of dismissal.
- After the argument, she decided to send away her guests so she could have some privacy.
- The store owner had to send away the noisy teenagers who were loitering outside.
2. To terminate employment
In a workplace setting, send away can be a way to describe discharging someone from their position. While "fire" or "lay off" are more common, "send away" is sometimes used to describe the act of removing someone from a post or sending them away from the office permanently.
- The manager was forced to send away the intern after discovering the breach of security.
- It was a difficult decision, but the company had to send away the entire consultancy team due to budget cuts.
3. To request something by mail or order
There is a secondary, very common usage where one "sends away for" something. This means you are sending a request (usually via mail or an online order form) to receive a product or service.
- I decided to send away for the free catalog so I could see the new collection.
- We had to send away for replacement parts since the store didn't carry them in stock.
Grammar Patterns
Send away is a separable phrasal verb. This means that if you use an object (the person or thing being moved), you can place it between the two parts of the verb or after them.
- Correct: I sent the visitors away.
- Correct: I sent away the visitors.
However, if the object is a pronoun (him, her, them, it), it must go in the middle:
- Correct: I didn't want to see him, so I sent him away.
- Incorrect: I sent away him.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing "send away" with "send off." While they sound similar, "send off" is often used in sports (like a referee sending a player off the field) or when mailing a package. If you are talking about terminating employment, use "let go" or "fire" to be more direct, as "send away" can sound a bit vague or slightly old-fashioned in a professional office.
Additionally, remember that if you are requesting an item, you must include the preposition "for." Saying "I sent away a new watch" sounds like you are physically pushing the watch away from you, whereas "I sent away for a new watch" clearly indicates you placed an order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "send away" considered rude?
It depends on the context. If you are telling a person to leave, it can definitely sound harsh or dismissive. If you are ordering a product, it is a neutral, standard expression.
Can I use "send away" for inanimate objects?
Yes, but usually in the context of sending something to be repaired or discarded. For example, "I sent my broken watch away to be fixed."
What is a good synonym for "send away" in a professional setting?
If you mean firing someone, use "terminate," "let go," or "dismiss." If you mean asking them to leave a room, use "ask them to step out" or "request that they leave."
Conclusion
Mastering the phrasal verb send away allows you to navigate both personal and professional conversations with ease. By understanding the distinction between dismissing someone and ordering a product, you can avoid confusion and sound more like a native speaker. Practice using the phrase in different contexts this week, and you will soon find that it becomes a natural part of your vocabulary.