throw
A2 (Very High Frequency)Neutral. Used across all registers from casual to formal, though some specific uses (e.g., 'throw a party') are informal.
Definition
Meaning
To propel something through the air using a motion of the arm and hand.
To cause someone or something to move suddenly or forcefully into a particular state, position, or condition; to organize a social event; to cause confusion or surprise; to operate a switch or lever; to produce light or shadow.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb is highly polysemous. Its core physical sense often extends metaphorically to causing sudden change, producing, or expelling. Note the many phrasal verbs and idioms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal in core meaning. Potential differences in specific collocations: 'throw a wobbly' (UK informal for tantrum) vs. 'throw a fit' (US/UK). In sports: 'throw a game' (deliberately lose) is more common in US English.
Connotations
Largely identical.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] throw [NP] (He threw the ball.)[NP] throw [NP] [PP] (She threw the letter into the fire.)[NP] throw [NP] [ADJP] (The news threw everyone into confusion.)[NP] throw [NP] [NP] (Throw me the keys.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw in the towel”
- “throw someone under the bus”
- “throw cold water on something”
- “throw good money after bad”
- “throw the book at someone”
- “throw your weight around”
- “throw a spanner in the works (UK) / monkey wrench (US)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'The new data throws our projections into doubt.' 'They decided to throw more resources at the project.'
Academic
Metaphorical: 'The study throws new light on the historical context.' 'His theory was thrown into question by recent findings.'
Everyday
Physical and social: 'Can you throw me the remote?' 'We're throwing a barbecue on Saturday.'
Technical
Sports (e.g., 'a throw-in' in football), manufacturing ('throw' on a pottery wheel), judo ('throw' as a technique).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He'll throw the rubbish in the bin.
- The scandal could throw the election result into doubt.
- Don't forget to throw the switch for the generator.
- She threatened to throw a wobbly if she didn't get her way.
American English
- He'll throw the trash in the can.
- The scandal could throw the election results into question.
- Don't forget to throw the circuit breaker.
- He threw a fit when he saw the bill.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Throw' is not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. 'Throw' is not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- A throw cushion lay on the sofa.
- It was a throw remark he later regretted. (rare)
American English
- A throw pillow lay on the couch.
- It was a throwaway remark he later regretted.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child can throw a ball.
- Please throw the paper in the recycling bin.
- He threw the stick for the dog.
- She threw her coat over the chair and sat down.
- The sudden noise threw me off balance.
- They're throwing a party for her birthday.
- The journalist's question threw the minister completely.
- The new evidence throws the entire theory into a new light.
- He threw all his energy into finishing the project.
- The economic crisis threw millions into poverty.
- The director throws a satirical glance at corporate culture in his latest film.
- She felt thrown by the abrupt change in management style.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **ROW** of people. To start the race, someone THROWs a ball. 'THROW' contains 'ROW' – you often need to use your arms in a rowing motion to throw.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE OF STATE IS CHANGE OF LOCATION (He was thrown into despair). PROVIDING IS THROWING (She threw a glance his way). ATTEMPTING IS THROWING (I'll throw my hat in the ring).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'threaten' (угрожать). 'Throw' is бросать/кидать.
- Russian speakers may overuse 'throw' for placing things gently. 'Throw the bag on the bed' implies force, not just 'put'.
- The phrase 'throw a party' does not mean to literally discard a party; it means to organize/have one (устраивать вечеринку).
- 'Throw up' means to vomit (блевать), not to build something upwards.
Common Mistakes
- *He throw the ball yesterday. (Correct: threw)
- *She threw to him the ball. (Correct: She threw the ball to him / She threw him the ball.)
- Confusing 'throw' (propel) with 'through' (preposition).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'to throw someone under the bus', what does 'throw' metaphorically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The past tense is 'threw' (irregular). The past participle is 'thrown'.
'Throw' is the general, neutral term. 'Toss' implies a lighter, more casual, or underhand throw. 'Hurl' implies a very forceful, violent, or aggressive throw.
Yes, but less commonly. E.g., 'With his injured shoulder, he can't throw anymore.' (implied object: a ball). In idioms: 'He never gives up; he won't throw in the towel.'
Yes, many: throw away (discard), throw up (vomit), throw out (expel/discard), throw on (put on clothes quickly), throw off (remove/escape), throw together (assemble quickly), throw back (drink quickly/remind of the past).