Getaway vs. Get Away – Which is Correct?
The choice between getaway and get away depends on its function in a sentence. Getaway is a single-word noun referring to an escape, a short vacation, or a place for one. Get away is a two-word phrasal verb meaning to escape, to leave, or to go on a short trip. Understanding their parts of speech is key.
Getaway or Get Away – Which is Correct?
Both “getaway” and “get away” are correct in American English, but they serve different grammatical purposes and have distinct meanings. The core difference lies in their part of speech: “getaway” is a noun, while “get away” is a phrasal verb.
Think of it this way: if you can replace the word with another noun (like “vacation” or “escape”), use “getaway.” If you can replace it with another verb phrase (like “to escape” or “to leave”), use “get away.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getaway | Noun | A short vacation; an escape; a place for escape. | We planned a romantic getaway to the mountains. |
| Get away | Phrasal Verb | To escape; to leave; to go on a short trip. | I need to get away for the weekend. |
How to Use Getaway
As a noun, “getaway” refers to the act of escaping, a short vacation, or a place that serves as an escape. It often implies a brief, refreshing break from routine or a swift departure from a scene, especially in criminal contexts.
Example 1: The couple enjoyed a peaceful getaway at the lakeside cabin.
Example 2: The bank robbers made a quick getaway in a stolen car.
Example 3: This quiet resort is the perfect romantic getaway.
What are the different forms of Getaway?
As a noun, “getaway” can be pluralized:
- Singular: getaway (e.g., a weekend getaway)
- Plural: getaways (e.g., several short getaways)
Etymology of the word Getaway
The word “getaway” formed as a compound noun from the phrasal verb “get away.” It emerged in the early 20th century, likely from American English, to describe the act or place of escaping or taking a short vacation. The verb “get” has Old Norse roots (geta, meaning “to obtain”) and “away” comes from Old English (aweg, meaning “on one’s way”).
How to Use Get Away
“Get away” is a phrasal verb, meaning it combines a verb (“get”) with an adverb or preposition (“away”) to create a new meaning. It generally means to escape, to leave a place or situation, or to go on a short trip or vacation. It can also imply avoiding responsibility or punishment.
Example 1: I really need to get away from the city for a few days.
Example 2: The dog managed to get away from its leash and run into the park.
Example 3: You won’t get away with cheating on the test.
What are the different forms of Get Away?
As a phrasal verb, “get away” conjugates like a regular verb, with the “get” component changing form based on tense and subject:
- Present Simple: I get away, he/she/it gets away
- Past Simple: I/he/she/it got away
- Present Participle: getting away (e.g., He is getting away)
- Past Participle: gotten away (American English) / got away (British English) (e.g., They have gotten away)
Etymology of the word Get Away
The phrasal verb “get away” combines the verb “get” and the adverb “away.” “Get” traces its origins back to Old Norse geta, meaning “to obtain, reach, beget.” “Away” comes from Old English aweg, meaning “on one’s way,” formed from “a-” (on) and “weg” (way). The combination to mean “to escape” or “to depart” has been in use for centuries, with the specific nuance of a short vacation developing more recently.
Related Concepts
Understanding the distinction between “getaway” and “get away” often comes down to recognizing the difference between a compound noun and a phrasal verb. A compound noun is formed by combining two or more words to create a single noun (e.g., “sunflower,” “toothbrush,” “getaway”). A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and an adverb or preposition (or both) that functions as a single semantic unit (e.g., “look up,” “break down,” “get away”). Compound nouns typically describe a thing, while phrasal verbs describe an action.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “There’s something about a private beach that just screams ‘perfect romantic getaway‘.” – From a travel blog.
- “He made a clean getaway, vanishing into the labyrinthine alleys.” – From a mystery novel.
- “I just need to get away from all this stress for a bit.” – A common line in TV shows.
- “The villain tried to get away, but the hero was too fast.” – From a comic book.
- “Our annual family getaway to the lake is always the highlight of summer.” – From a personal essay.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- After a long week, I desperately needed a relaxing __________.
- The cat tried to __________ from the bath.
- They planned a weekend __________ to the coast.
- It’s hard to __________ with such a strict supervisor.
- The perfect __________ spot was hidden deep in the forest.
Answer Key
- getaway
- get away
- getaway
- get away
- getaway
Getaway Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Escape | An act of breaking free from confinement or control. |
| Retreat | A place of refuge, seclusion, or privacy; a period of withdrawal. |
| Vacation | An extended period of recreation, especially one spent away from home or in traveling. |
| Break | A pause in work or during an activity or event. |
| Excursion | A short journey or trip, especially one engaged in as a leisure activity. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can “getaway” ever be used as a verb?
No, “getaway” is exclusively a noun. The verb form is always the two-word phrasal verb “get away.”
Question 2: Is there a difference in formality between “getaway” and “get away”?
Not significantly. Both are common in informal and semi-formal contexts. The key is their grammatical role, not their formality level.
Question 3: How can I quickly remember the difference?
Remember that “getaway” (one word) is a *thing* (a trip, an escape, a place), like “vacation.” “Get away” (two words) is an *action* (to escape, to depart), like “to leave.”
Conclusion
The distinction between “getaway” and “get away” is a classic example of how a subtle space can change a word’s meaning and grammatical function. “Getaway” is a noun, referring to an escape, a vacation, or a destination. “Get away” is a phrasal verb, describing the action of escaping, leaving, or taking a short trip. Mastering this difference enhances clarity in writing and speaking. Pro Tip: Always consider the part of speech you intend for the word in your sentence. Using the correct form demonstrates precision and strengthens your professional reputation as a communicator.
