Getaway or Get Away: Which Word Do You Want to Use?

Do you know the difference between getaway (one word) and get away (two words)? Even native speakers of American English might get crossed up with these expressions, so we’ll look at each version and how to use it precisely. That way, you won’t wonder if you’re getting away with using the incorrect version. Let’s get started!

The Difference Between Getaway and Get Away

Both getaway and get away can be grammatically correct. They mean different things, but either one is acceptable in the right context.

With that established, let’s review their distinctions.

Getaway, spelled as one word, is a noun or an adjective referring to a specific location or a kind of relaxing vacation. Here are a couple of sentences with getaway being properly used:

My wife and I are going for a quick getaway during the holiday weekend. (noun)

Our friends bought a getaway cabin in the mountains. (adjective)

As you can see, the single-word version getaway refers to a thing.

Get away, as two words, is a verb phrase describing an action. Because “get” is the relevant verb, you could think of the phrase as meaning something close to “move away” or “escape.”

Here are examples of get away being used correctly:

It is much more difficult to get away from the police than movies would make it seem.

I volunteered for the meeting because I needed to get away from my desk for a few hours.

The two-word version get away will always refer to an action or movement.

Now, before you think you have a getaway from this discussion, let’s first get away to test your knowledge below.

Pop Quiz

Choose the correct form of getaway or get away in each sentence.

1. Do you think you’ll be able to [getaway / get away] for Thanksgiving?

2. Sheila could use a [getaway / get away] to clear her mind.

3. A three-day [getaway / get away] to the coast is affordable this time of year.

4. The detective in my book never lets a criminal [getaway / get away].

5. It’s hard to [getaway / get away] from the noise in a crowded bar.

 

Pop Quiz Answers

1. Do you think you’ll be able to get away for Thanksgiving?

2. Sheila could use a getaway to clear her mind.

3. A three-day getaway to the coast is affordable this time of year.

4. The detective in my book never lets a criminal get away.

5. It’s hard to get away from the noise in a crowded bar.

 

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