throw a party

Meaning

This expression means to organize, host, or hold a social gathering or celebration. It is much more common and casual in spoken English than saying 'make a party' or 'organize a party.' It implies a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

Examples

• We're throwing a party this Friday to celebrate Sarah's promotion.

  We're throwing a party this Friday to celebrate Sarah's promotion.

• My neighbors threw a huge party last night and kept everyone awake.

  My neighbors threw a huge party last night and kept everyone awake.

• Are you planning to throw a party for your graduation, or do you want to keep it low-key?

  Are you planning to throw a party for your graduation, or do you want to keep it low-key?

• They threw a surprise party for their dad's 60th birthday.

  They threw a surprise party for their dad's 60th birthday.

• I don't really feel like throwing a party this year; maybe we can just go out for dinner.

  I don't really feel like throwing a party this year; maybe we can just go out for dinner.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We are going to make a party next week.

  ✓ We are going to throw a party next week.

  Learners often translate literally from their native language using 'make' or 'do', but 'throw' is the natural collocation in English.

• ✗ She played a party for her birthday.

  ✓ She threw a party for her birthday.

  'Play' is not used for hosting social events in English.

Related Expressions

Practice

• My roommates want to ___ for Halloween, but I'm worried about the mess.

  💡 host a celebration

  Show answer

  throw a party

• We should ___ for him before he leaves the country.

  💡 organize a farewell gathering

  Show answer

  throw a party