broken clean off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broken clean off" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means completely broken or severed from something else. Example: The handle of the mug was broken clean off, leaving me with a handful of shattered ceramic pieces.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With that neck broken clean off the body, Ms. Wu's instrument of 17 years, valued at some $50,000 and uninsured, was deemed irreparable.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Get regular trims, they will clean off split ends that break off.

WikiHow

Remember to clean off the stripper in your finished areas as you go and anytime you plan to take a break.

WikiHow

Drips clean off our radar.

The Guardian - Film

Kicked clean off?

Vice

Clean off tear buildup.

WikiHow

Clean off the caliper.

WikiHow

Clean off your plate.

WikiHow

Clean off the grout.

WikiHow

Clean off the monitor.

WikiHow

Clean off the algae.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broken clean off" to emphasize the completeness of a break or separation, particularly when something is severed sharply and without residue.

Common error

Avoid using "broken clean off" in highly formal or technical writing; opt for more precise or clinical terms like "completely severed" or "entirely detached".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broken clean off" functions as a descriptive modifier, emphasizing the complete and utter nature of a breakage or separation. As seen in the Ludwig example, it vividly describes the state of Ms. Wu's instrument.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broken clean off" is a descriptive modifier used to emphasize the completeness of a breakage or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Although it's more common in informal to neutral contexts, its descriptive power makes it suitable for vividly portraying a state of complete separation. While the phrase is relatively rare in occurrence, understanding its usage and appropriate contexts is key to employing it effectively. Alternative phrases such as "sheared off completely" or "completely severed" can be used for different nuances or in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheared off completely

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the separation using "sheared" and "completely".

snapped off entirely

Highlights the suddenness of the break and the completeness of the separation.

severed completely

Formally indicates a cutting or separation, emphasizing thoroughness.

detached entirely

Focuses on the removal or unfastening of something in a comprehensive manner.

separated entirely

Stresses the division and completeness of the separation.

cleanly severed

Highlights the neatness and completeness of the separation.

cleanly detached

Emphasizes the precise and complete removal of something.

completely broken away

Focuses on the act of breaking away and the completeness of the action.

separated without residue

Highlights a separation that leaves nothing behind.

removed entirely

Focuses on the action of taking something away completely.

FAQs

How can I use "broken clean off" in a sentence?

You can use "broken clean off" to describe something that has been completely severed or detached from something else. For example, "The branch was "broken clean off" during the storm."

What does "broken clean off" mean?

"Broken clean off" means completely broken or severed from something else, implying a sharp and complete separation.

What are some alternatives to "broken clean off"?

Some alternatives to "broken clean off" include "sheared off completely", "snapped off entirely", or "severed completely".

Is "broken clean off" formal or informal?

"Broken clean off" leans towards the informal side. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "completely severed" or "entirely detached".