Phrasal verb
blaze away
Definition
phrasal verb. to do something with a lot of energy and without stopping, like shooting a gun or working very fast.
phrasal verb. To fire a weapon or perform a task continuously and with sustained intensity. The verb is intransitive and emphasizes the repetitive or unceasing nature of the action.
Examples
“The reporters blazed away with their cameras as the star arrived.”
“He sat in the corner of the library, blazing away at his laptop to meet the midnight deadline.”
“The battery of cannons blazed away into the fog, though the gunners could no longer see their intended targets through the smoke.”
Examples
simple
“The reporters blazed away with their cameras as the star arrived.”
contextual
“He sat in the corner of the library, blazing away at his laptop to meet the midnight deadline.”
complex
“The battery of cannons blazed away into the fog, though the gunners could no longer see their intended targets through the smoke.”
Usage
Typically used as an intransitive verb, often followed by 'at' to indicate the target or task.
Teaching tip
The particle 'away' here functions as an aspectual marker indicating continuous or vigorous action, similar to 'work away' or 'hammer away'.
Pitfall
They blazed away the ammunition.
They blazed away with the ammunition.
The phrase is intransitive and does not take a direct object; use 'with' or 'at' to connect to a noun.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
blaze + away
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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