buff out

USAGE SUMMARY

"buff out" is not a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is more commonly used in informal or spoken English. Example: I'll buff out the scuff marks on the floor with the buffer.

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

He uses the brine — anise-flavored, sweet and strong — to buff out muddiness, to remove what he calls "the sharp edge of the board".

The New York Times - Magazine

A young man may still be spotted on Michigan Avenue or elsewhere downtown toting his shoeshine box and offering to buff out your scuffs.

The New York Times

Inside, contestants stood staring into long mirrors and slapping their arms and legs to buff out any streaks in their tan lotion.

The New York Times

Rinse with cold water before using a sponge and white vinegar to buff out any hint of color.

Huffington Post

"It's as if the articles were finished, and they just need us to buff out the rough bits.

Vice

Finally, move to 1800 grit (9 μm) or 14,000 grit (1 μm), depending on your polishing series, to buff out all remaining streaks and produce a shine on the Liquid Bio-Plastic and your specimen.

Applications in Plant Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

As for the speeches themselves, they are processed by speechwriters and pollsters until all texture is buffed out, effrontery elided and passion solemnly subdued.

The Guardian - Opinion

The brothers were inspired here, they say, by the graffiti culture notion of "buffing out" – that is, the covering up of graffiti by local authorities.

The Guardian - Music

The speakers, available now at retailers, come with a setup program, a cable kit and a chamois cleaning cloth for buffing out any errant thumbprints.

The New York Times - Tech

Where American Chinese food tends to the sweet and vapid, with all the interesting bits buffed out, Indian Chinese is hotter and more motley, playing up the cuisines' differences rather than seeking common ground.

The New York Times - Food

Garland had Anthony Turner's team recreate this effect to heighten the impact of her contouring using M.A.C. Sculpting Cream applied in a "C -shape under the apple of the C -shaped then bunder outheith applesh.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "buff out", consider the specific context. It's most appropriate when describing the removal of imperfections or smoothing a surface, either literally or figuratively. Avoid it in very formal writing, where a more precise term might be better suited.

Common error

While "buff out" is widely understood, avoid using it in formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying 'the team buffed out the errors in the report', opt for 'the team corrected the errors in the report'.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "buff out" functions primarily as a process descriptor, indicating an action taken to smooth, refine, or remove imperfections. As indicated by Ludwig, this expression is more common in spoken English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

30%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "buff out" is a phrasal verb used to describe the action of smoothing imperfections or correcting errors. Ludwig AI indicates that while understandable, it is better suited for informal or spoken contexts. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media sources, its usage implies a process of refinement or correction. When aiming for formal prose, consider more precise alternatives such as "polish", "refine", or "correct".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polish off

Implies completing a task with a final smoothing or refining action, similar to removing imperfections.

smooth over

Focuses on reducing the visibility of problems or disagreements.

touch up

Suggests making small corrections or improvements to enhance the appearance or quality of something.

refine

Indicates improving something by making small changes, particularly to improve its precision.

rub out

Refers to erasing or removing something by rubbing, applicable to physical marks or metaphorical errors.

iron out

Specifically refers to resolving difficulties or disagreements through discussion and adjustment.

clean up

Means to make neat and orderly, including eliminating unwanted elements.

correct

Implies removing mistakes or errors.

mitigate

Refers to making something less severe, serious, or painful.

alleviate

Focuses on relieving or reducing the intensity of something, often pain or suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "buff out" in a sentence?

You can use "buff out" to describe smoothing a surface (e.g., "I'll buff out the scratches on the car"), or metaphorically to mean correcting errors (e.g., "We need to buff out the inconsistencies in the report").

What does it mean to "buff out" a scratch?

To "buff out" a scratch means to use a polishing tool or abrasive material to reduce the visibility of the scratch by smoothing the surrounding surface and blending it with the imperfection.

What are some synonyms for "buff out" in the context of correcting mistakes?

In the context of correcting mistakes, you can use "correct", "rectify", or "amend" as alternatives to "buff out".

Is "buff out" appropriate for formal writing?

While "buff out" is widely understood, it is generally considered more informal. For formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "polish", "refine", or "correct" depending on the context.