What are the definitions of “tow away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Remove a vehicle, especially if parked illegally.
I parked in a no - parking zone and they TOWED my car AWAY.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “tow away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb tow away is to remove a vehicle, usually because it is parked illegally or causing an obstruction. This action is often carried out by a tow truck or other specialized vehicle.
What are the different verb forms of “tow away”?
| Root Verb | tow away |
| Third Person Singular Present | tows away |
| Present Participle | towing away |
| Simple Past | towed away |
| Past Participle | towed away |
Example
If you park here, they will tow away your car.
Example
The tow truck tows away illegally parked cars.
Example
They are towing away the abandoned vehicle.
Example
The city towed away several cars during the street cleaning.
Example
The car was towed away because it was blocking the driveway.
What kind of phrasal verb is “tow 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.)
Transitive verb
“tow away” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The tow truck towed away the illegally parked car.
Example
They towed the car away from the no-parking zone.
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
“tow 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
The tow truck towed away the illegally parked car.
Example
They towed the car away from the no-parking zone.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “tow away”?
Tow-away zone
An area where parking is prohibited, and vehicles parked there will be removed.
Example
Be careful not to park in the tow-away zone or your car will be removed.
Tow truck
A specialized vehicle used to remove and transport other vehicles, especially those parked illegally or involved in accidents.
Example
The tow truck arrived quickly to remove the damaged car from the accident scene.
Towing company
A business that provides vehicle removal and transportation services.
Example
We called a towing company to help us move the broken-down car.
Good things to know
Does “tow away” have an informal or formal tone?
Tow away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as legal documents or official notices related to parking regulations.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “tow away”?
Synonyms
- clear
- remove
- haul away
- take away
- transport
Antonyms
- park
- leave
- place
- set down
- put
