clear it off

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear it off" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to remove or clean something from a surface. Example: "Please clear off the table before dinner." This means to remove any items or clutter from the surface of the table to make it clean for dinner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The strategy for most new chief executives is to fully audit and find the rubbish lurking in their businesses – then clear it off their books as soon as possible.

The Guardian - Business

If you don't have any other table to work at, then make sure that you clear it off before eating at it again.

WikiHow

Joshua King could not clear it off the line.

The Guardian - Sport

A yard of whiteness rose on the old shingles, and I could find no one to clear it off.

The New Yorker

Devic ran past John Terry and slammed a shot off Joe Hart that hung in midair just long enough for Terry to scramble back and clear it off the line.

The New York Times

There was not a single shot on target until the 20th minute when Osama Malik caused a goal-mouth scramble with his strike, Wanderers midfielder Mateo Poljak doing well to clear it off the line.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"It's a game of mistakes and it happens," McKay said of the error by Brylin, who was in the Devils' zone and played the puck to the middle of the ice instead of clearing it off the boards.

The New York Times - Sports

Alternatively, you might leave the raw footage on the tape until you've edited it thoroughly, before clearing it off the tape itself.

WikiHow

But that's the tricky thing about "It Goes Without Saying": just as its theme becomes clear, it goes off on another track.

The New York Times

Ryan Shawcross thought he had cleared it off the line, but technology determined otherwise.

The Guardian - Sport

The Scot lifted the ball over the onrushing Asmir Begovic but Shawcross cleared it off the line.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear it off", ensure the context is clear as to what 'it' refers to. For example, "Clear the table off" is clearer than just "Clear it off".

Common error

While "clear it off" is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, avoid it in formal writing. Opt for more precise language like "remove" or "eliminate" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clear it off" is that of a phrasal verb. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies the action of removing something from a surface. The 'it' serves as a pronoun referring to the object being removed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Sport

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "clear it off" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of removing something from a surface. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally used in informal contexts, as reflected in its prevalence in news and media, wiki, and sports-related content. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "remove it" or "eliminate it". Remember to make sure that the context clarifies what "it" refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove it

Focuses on the action of taking something away, omitting the surface aspect.

take it away

Highlights the action of carrying something off.

clean it up

Implies tidying and organizing, not just removing.

tidy it up

Similar to "clean it up", but emphasizes neatness.

wipe it down

Specifies cleaning with a cloth.

sweep it away

Suggests using a broom or similar tool.

get rid of it

Emphasizes disposal or discarding something.

empty it

Focuses on the action of emptying a container.

eliminate it

A more formal term for complete removal.

make it disappear

Suggests a magical or sudden removal.

FAQs

What does "clear it off" mean?

The phrase "clear it off" means to remove something completely from a surface. It implies making the surface free of any objects or mess.

How can I use "clear it off" in a sentence?

You can use "clear it off" in a sentence like, "Please "clear it off" the desk so we can eat dinner".

What are some synonyms for "clear it off"?

Some synonyms for "clear it off" include "remove it", "clean it up", or "tidy it up", depending on the specific context.

Is "clear it off" formal or informal?

"Clear it off" is generally considered to be an informal phrase. In more formal situations, it's better to use alternatives like "remove it" or "eliminate it".