carved off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carved off" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a specific portion of something being taken away or broken off from the whole. For example, "The thief carved off a piece of the painting and took it with him".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Business

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The thigh meat can just be carved off the bone, or cut into chunks.

Independent

Paint sits on the unprimed canvas, sometimes blobby, sometimes sketchy, and sometimes carved off and replaced.

The Guardian - Arts

Each party viewed the problem from a different perspective, and carved off a different piece of the puzzle.

The New Yorker

Afghanistan is now reverting back to its warlord past, provinces are being carved off and turned into private fiefdoms.

The Guardian

And about those bones: you can serve the meat carved off them into neat slices, or pork-chop style with the bones in tow.

The New York Times - Food

It is tightly flattened layers of meat (veal, chicken, turkey or lamb, or a combination) carved off a vertical rotating spit.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Others spend years in obscurity, carving off pounds of credibility for meager dollops of fame.

The New York Times

Cattle carcasses hang from hooks as butchers carve off slabs of flesh.

The New York Times - Travel

Carve the bird at the table: remove the legs first, then carve off the breasts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When you peel a pineapple, you end up carving off quite a lot of flesh.

The Guardian

Reconfigure your workload so that you can carve off some time.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "carved off" to vividly describe the act of physically separating or figuratively isolating a portion from a larger whole. It's particularly effective when highlighting the detail or precision involved in the extraction.

Common error

Avoid using "carved off" when the separation is purely conceptual or abstract and does not involve any tangible division or extraction. Instead, opt for terms like "separated" or "distinguished" to better represent the nature of the detachment.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "carved off" functions primarily as a dynamic verb, describing an action of separating or detaching a part from a whole. This is supported by Ludwig's examples demonstrating physical separation (e.g., meat being carved) and figurative isolation (e.g., land being carved for development).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Food

16%

Business

12%

Less common in

Politics

8%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "carved off" is a versatile term used to describe the separation or extraction of a portion from a larger whole, whether physically or figuratively. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news, food, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a division or extraction and consider alternatives like "separated out" or "split off" for nuanced meaning. Avoid using "carved off" for purely conceptual separations, opting instead for more abstract terms. Ludwig's examples provide clear illustrations of its application, making it a valuable resource for understanding its appropriate use. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for broad application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separated out

Focuses on the act of isolating or distinguishing a part from the whole.

split off

Highlights the creation of a new, independent entity through division.

divided up

Emphasizes the partitioning of something into distinct sections.

sectioned off

Implies creating a defined area or compartment.

detached from

Stresses the disconnection or removal from an original source.

cut away

Emphasizes forceful removal, often with a sharp instrument.

extracted from

Highlights removing something from a larger mass.

pared away

Focuses on a gradual or minimal separation.

delineated from

Highlights creating a clear boundary or distinction.

excised from

Emphasizes surgically or precisely removing a portion.

FAQs

How can I use "carved off" in a sentence?

You can use "carved off" to describe physically cutting something away, as in "He "carved off" a slice of meat", or figuratively, as in "They "carved off" a section of the market".

What can I say instead of "carved off"?

Alternatives to "carved off" include "separated out", "split off", or "extracted from", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "carved off" or "carved out"?

"Carved off" and "carved out" have different meanings. "Carved off" suggests separating a portion, while "carved out" implies creating something within a larger entity. For example, you "carve out" a niche in the market, but "carve off" a piece of land.

What's the difference between "carved off" and "cut off"?

"Carved off" implies a degree of precision or detail in the separation, while "cut off" suggests a more abrupt or complete severing. Think of "cutting off" a supply versus "carving off" a sculpture detail.