clean off

USAGE SUMMARY

"clean off" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the action of removing something from a surface. For example: "I wiped the dirt off the table with a damp cloth, then used a dry rag to clean off the remaining residue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drips clean off our radar.

The Guardian - Film

What can I safely clean off?

The New York Times - Tech

It burned my clothes clean off me".

The Guardian

You just clean off the old plastic and start over.

The New York Times

"Use water, not your mouth, to clean off a pacifier".

The New York Times

Kicked clean off?

Vice

Some nights, I clean off the blood.

Vice

Clean off tear buildup.

WikiHow

Clean off the caliper.

WikiHow

Clean off your plate.

WikiHow

Clean off the grout.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clean off", specify what you are cleaning and what you are removing. For example, instead of saying "Clean off the surface", specify "Clean off the dust from the table".

Common error

Avoid using "clean off" without context. Saying "I need to clean off" is vague. Be specific about what needs to be cleaned.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "clean off" functions primarily to describe the action of removing a substance or debris from a surface. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is widely used and understood, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

61%

News & Media

34%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "clean off" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the removal of something from a surface. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, from how-to guides to news articles. The phrase is generally neutral to informal in register and is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media sources. When using "clean off", be specific about what is being cleaned and what is being removed to avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "wipe away" or "scrub off" can be used depending on the specific cleaning action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wipe away

Focuses on the action of removing something by wiping.

scrub off

Implies a more vigorous cleaning action.

dust off

Specifically refers to removing dust.

wash away

Suggests cleaning with water.

clear away

Indicates removing items to create space.

remove

A more general term for taking something off.

erase

Specifically implies removing something written or drawn.

sweep away

Suggests removing debris with a sweeping motion.

scrape off

Implies using a tool to remove a layer.

buff off

Refers to polishing or removing a surface layer by buffing.

FAQs

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

You can use "clean off" to describe the action of removing something from a surface, such as "I need to "clean off" the mud from my boots".

What's the difference between "clean off" and "wipe off"?

"Wipe off" typically implies using a cloth or similar item to remove a substance, while ""clean off"" can involve a broader range of cleaning methods.

What can I say instead of "clean off" to sound more formal?

In a more formal context, consider using "remove" or "eliminate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "clean off of" something?

While not grammatically incorrect, it's more common and concise to simply say ""clean off"" something, omitting the "of".