be stripped away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be stripped away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of removing something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as emotions, layers, or unnecessary elements. Example: "As the layers of paint were stripped away, the original beauty of the sculpture was revealed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What can be stripped away?

MIT Technology Review

Grades will be stripped away.

The Guardian

Would the stale trappings of luxury be stripped away?

The New York Times - Magazine

Of the five tiers of government, a couple could be stripped away and not be missed.

The Economist

In them distractions were to be stripped away, and essentials revealed.

The New York Times - Arts

Management layers will be stripped away, with more power filtering out to the regions.

The Economist

Native populations worry that whatever privileges and status they enjoy will be stripped away by foreigners flooding their countries.

University of California, Berkeley

The layers of support will be stripped away to create a more frightening everyday reality.

The Guardian

We can't sit back and let our Britishness be stripped away any more".

The Guardian

This later accretion of superstition and myth, he believed, could be stripped away by anyone who adopted a reasoned approach.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's just enough time for the woman's white dress to be stripped away, revealing a red one underneath.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider the connotations of force or violation inherent in the word 'stripped'. Ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context. For instance, instead of saying "His rights were stripped away", consider "His rights were removed" if a less forceful tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "be stripped away" in contexts where a neutral or gentle removal is intended. The phrase carries a sense of being forcefully taken, so using it in situations where a simple removal would suffice can create an unintended negative or aggressive tone. For example, if you simply mean to say that information was removed, use "be removed" rather than "be stripped away".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be stripped away" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is receiving the action of being removed or having something forcefully taken from it. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where the phrase acts to show a subject undergoing a process of forceful removal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be stripped away" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe the forceful or systematic removal of something, often revealing something else or resulting in a loss. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is versatile, applicable in neutral and professional registers, and is seen most frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the connotations of force and violation. Alternatives like "be removed" or "be taken away" may be more appropriate in situations where a less aggressive tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be removed

Focuses on the act of taking something off or away, lacking the implication of force or violation.

be taken away

Similar to 'be removed' but implies a transfer of possession or control.

be eliminated

Suggests a complete removal, often implying that something is no longer needed or wanted.

be eroded

Implies a gradual wearing away or diminishing of something over time.

be divested

Specifically refers to the act of selling off assets or investments.

be detached

Focuses on separating something from its connection or attachment.

be peeled off

Suggests removing a layer from something, often with effort.

be extracted

Implies carefully removing something from a larger context.

be excised

Suggests surgical or precise removal, often of unwanted elements.

be denuded

Implies making something bare or exposed by removing its covering.

FAQs

How can I use "be stripped away" in a sentence?

Use "be stripped away" to indicate that something is being forcefully or systematically removed, often revealing something underneath. For example: "The layers of bureaucracy must "be stripped away" to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "be stripped away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be removed", "be taken away", or "be eliminated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be stripped away" instead of "be removed"?

"Be stripped away" implies a more forceful or systematic removal than "be removed". Use "be stripped away" when you want to emphasize the act of being forcefully taken, or to reveal something else, while use "be removed" for a less aggressive removal.

Is "be stripped away" a formal or informal expression?

"Be stripped away" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the connotations of the phrase, as it can suggest a negative or forceful action. In some context, it might be more appropriate to choose a more neutral alternative like "be taken away".