PHRASAL VERBS with “throw”

A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and an adverb or preposition, for example ‘look up’ or ‘look after’, which together have a particular meaning which is different from the verb alone.

Phrasal verbs with “throw” have a range of meanings depending on the preposition or adverb they are paired with. Here are the definitions and examples for each:

1. Throw away

   • Definition: To discard something as useless or unwanted.
   • Example: “She decided to throw away the old magazines.”

2. Throw in

   • Definition: To add something extra or include something at no additional cost.
   • Example: “They threw in a free pair of socks with the purchase of the shoes.”

3. Throw off

   • Definition: To mislead or confuse someone; to quickly remove something.
   • Example 1: “The decoy threw off the pursuers.”
   • Example 2: “She threw off her coat as she entered the warm room.”

4. Throw on

   • Definition: To put on a piece of clothing quickly.
   • Example: “He threw on a jacket and ran out the door.”

5. Throw out

   • Definition: To dispose of something; to reject or dismiss someone or something.
   • Example 1: “He decided to throw out the broken chair.”
   • Example 2: “The committee threw out the proposal.”

6. Throw down

   • Definition: To challenge someone to a fight or competition.
   • Example: “He threw down the gauntlet and challenged his rival to a duel.”

7. Throw up

   • Definition: To vomit; to construct something hastily.
   • Example 1: “She felt sick and had to throw up.”
   • Example 2: “They threw up a temporary shelter for the event.”

8. Throw back

   • Definition: To return something to where it came from; to refer to something from the past.
   • Example 1: “They caught a fish but decided to throw it back into the lake.”
   • Example 2: “Her dress was a throwback to the fashion of the 1960s.”

9. Throw together

   • Definition: To assemble or create something quickly and without much preparation.
   • Example: “He threw together a quick meal from the leftovers in the fridge.”

10. Throw about/around

    • Definition: To scatter things carelessly; to mention or suggest ideas casually.
    • Example 1: “The kids threw their toys around the room.”
    • Example 2: “She threw around some ideas for the new project during the meeting.”

11. Throw down (also means)

    • Definition: To put something down forcefully.
    • Example: “He threw down his backpack in frustration.”

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