What are the definitions of “shoot away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave somewhere quickly.
He SHOT AWAY as soon as the bell rang for the end of the lesson.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shoot away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb shoot away is to leave a place quickly or suddenly. It is often used to describe someone who departs from a location in a hurry, as if they were shot out of a cannon.
What are the different verb forms of “shoot away”?
| Root Verb | shoot away |
| Third Person Singular Present | shoots away |
| Present Participle | shooting away |
| Simple Past | shot away |
| Past Participle | shot away |
Example
As soon as the meeting ended, she shot away to catch her train.
Example
He always shoots away as soon as the class is over.
Example
She is shooting away from the party to avoid her ex-boyfriend.
Example
The cat shot away when it heard the loud noise.
Example
The bird had shot away before I could take a picture.
What kind of phrasal verb is “shoot away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“shoot away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He shot away as soon as the bell rang.
Example
The car shot away when the traffic light turned green.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“shoot away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He shot away as soon as the bell rang.
Example
The car shot away when the traffic light turned green.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shoot away”?
Shoot off
Similar to *shoot away,* it means to leave a place quickly or suddenly.
Example
He shot off as soon as he heard the news.
Shoot up
To grow or increase rapidly.
Example
The price of the stock shot up after the company's announcement.
Shoot down
To reject or dismiss an idea or suggestion.
Example
Her proposal was shot down by the committee.
Good things to know
Does “shoot away” have an informal or formal tone?
Shoot away is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal alternatives like 'depart quickly' or 'leave rapidly' can be used.
