Phrasal verb
carry away
Definition
phrasal verb. to lose control of your feelings or actions because you are very excited or interested in something.
phrasal verb. to cause someone to lose self-control or composure through intense emotion or enthusiasm. Frequently occurs in the passive voice or with the auxiliary 'get'.
Examples
“Don't get carried away and spend all your money.”
“I got carried away while shopping and bought three pairs of shoes I didn't need.”
“The orator's passion was so infectious that the entire crowd was carried away by his vision of a utopian future.”
Examples
simple
“Don't get carried away and spend all your money.”
contextual
“I got carried away while shopping and bought three pairs of shoes I didn't need.”
complex
“The orator's passion was so infectious that the entire crowd was carried away by his vision of a utopian future.”
Usage
Usually appears in the passive form 'be/get carried away' followed by 'with' or 'by'.
Teaching tip
Focus on the passive 'get carried away' as it is the most frequent usage; contrast with 'lose control' which sounds more negative.
Pitfall
I carried away by the music.
I got carried away by the music.
The phrase is almost always used in the passive voice, requiring 'be' or 'get'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
optional
Pattern
carry + away + object
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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