Takeaway vs. Take Away
“Takeaway” is a closed noun or adjective for a key message, food bought to eat elsewhere, and several other established senses. “Take away” is the two-word phrasal verb meaning to remove or subtract.
Use “takeaway” for the noun or adjective and “take away” for the verb.
Key details
Choose the right form
| If you mean / need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| a main lesson, food order, or related noun/adjective sense | takeaway | The noun/adjective is written as one word. |
| the action of removing or subtracting | take away | The phrasal verb is written as two words. |
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “take away” when the expression functions as a verb; use the documented noun form for the person, thing, event, result, or modifier.
Fast Test
If tense or inflection works naturally—such as a past or -ing form—you are using the verb and should keep “take away” as separate words.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge distinguishes the closed noun/adjective “takeaway” from the two-word phrasal verb “take away.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- TAKEAWAY — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Closed noun/adjective “takeaway” for information, food, and related senses
- TAKE SOMETHING AWAY — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Two-word phrasal verb “take away” for removing or subtracting