cleared off

USAGE SUMMARY

"cleared off" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to remove or get rid of something from a surface or area. Example: The table was cluttered with dishes and papers, but I cleared them off to make room for the board game we wanted to play.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I cleared off when I had to.

The New Yorker

Even once crap cleared off, what remains?

The Guardian - Books

Jake Bidwell cleared off the line from both.

The Guardian - Sport

"The looters had cleared off a section and left it.

The New York Times

I think twice they cleared off the line.

The Guardian - Sport

"Cleared off a patch in the snow and put down corn".

The New Yorker

Thorny junipers have just been cleared off the seats of a semicircular amphitheater.

The New York Times - Arts

By March, volunteers had cleared off 30 to 40 trash bags of debris.

The New York Times

She cleared off the tables but left out the beer bottles.

The New York Times

But at 4 45 every day, the food and photographs are cleared off, and we play.

The New York Times

"I disagree with people being cleared off Carpenters Estate so they can gentrify the area.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cleared off" when you want to describe the act of removing items from a surface or area, making it free from clutter. For example, "She cleared off the table after dinner" indicates a specific action of tidying up.

Common error

Avoid using "clear off" when you mean to "clear out". "Clear off" refers to removing items from a surface, while "clear out" means to empty a space completely or to leave a place. For instance, "We need to clear out the attic" implies emptying the entire attic, not just removing items from its surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cleared off" functions primarily as a dynamic verb, describing an action of removing items or objects from a surface or space. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate this usage, such as "She cleared off the tables" or "Volunteers had cleared off trash bags of debris."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cleared off" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the action of removing items from a surface or space. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While primarily neutral in tone, it is important to distinguish its meaning from similar phrases like "clear out". It’s commonly found in authoritative sources like the BBC and The New York Times, highlighting its widespread acceptance and usage in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cleared away

Similar to "cleared off" but places more emphasis on the destination.

removed

Focuses on the act of taking something away, similar to clearing but without necessarily implying a surface.

cleaned up

Implies tidying and organizing in addition to removing items.

got rid of

A more colloquial way of saying removed or eliminated.

wiped away

Suggests a more deliberate removal, often of a substance or mark.

erased

Emphasizes the act of obliterating or making something disappear completely.

swept away

Indicates a forceful removal, often by a current or force.

evacuated

Implies leaving a place, often due to danger.

departed

A more formal synonym for leaving or going away.

vanished

Suggests a sudden and mysterious disappearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "cleared off" to describe the action of removing items from a surface. For example, "He "cleared off" the desk before starting his work", or "The looters had "cleared off" a section and left it".

What's a good alternative to "cleared off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "removed", "cleaned up", or "cleared away" instead of "cleared off".

What is the difference between "cleared off" and "cleared away"?

"Cleared off" generally refers to removing items from a surface, while "cleared away" can imply a more thorough removal, often involving putting things in their proper place. For example, "She "cleared off" the table" means she removed the dishes, while "She cleared away the dishes" suggests she also washed and put them away.

Is "cleared off" formal or informal?

"Cleared off" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in informal settings like conversations or news articles.