detract from

USAGE SUMMARY

"detract from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean to reduce the quality, value, or effectiveness of something. For example, "The bad reviews of the movie detracted from its box office success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But neither did they detract from anything.

The New York Times

That does not detract from his credentials.

The New York Times - Sports

This may not detract from its appeal.

The New York Times

"They detract from what we are doing.

The New Yorker

This does not detract from readability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Does this detract from studying?

The New York Times

"I can't let anything detract from that.

Independent

"It would detract from the job".

The New York Times

Nothing can detract from neon's chief appeal.

The New York Times - Arts

That's not to detract from Garner's achievement.

The Guardian - Books

"They detract from the landscape," Alan says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "detract from" to precisely indicate that something reduces the overall quality or value of another element. For instance, "The grammatical errors in the essay detract from its overall impact".

Common error

Avoid using "detract from" when something completely negates or reverses the effect of something else; instead, use stronger verbs like 'negate' or 'invalidate' if the impact is total, ensuring your word choice accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "detract from" functions to indicate that something diminishes the value, quality, or importance of something else. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples demonstrating its role in expressing a reduction in positive attributes. This makes it useful for critiques and evaluations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "detract from" is a commonly used phrasal verb that effectively conveys a reduction in the quality, value, or impact of something. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki. While suitable for neutral register, it's important to differentiate it from similar phrases like "distract from" or "subtract from". When writing, ensure its accurate usage aligns with its intended meaning of diminishing positive attributes, as confirmed by Ludwig's extensive example sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish from

Focuses on lessening or reducing something, similar to detracting but emphasizes the reduction in quantity or importance.

take away from

Implies a removal or reduction of value, quality, or importance.

lessen the impact of

Specifically addresses reducing the effect or influence of something.

undermine

Suggests a weakening or destabilization of something, often in a gradual or subtle way.

detract value

Focuses on the loss of monetary or perceived worth.

compromise

Indicates that something has been weakened or made less effective, often due to concessions or damage.

impair

Suggests damage or weakening, often in terms of functionality or quality.

erode

Emphasizes the gradual wearing away or diminishing of something over time.

weaken

Highlights the loss of strength or effectiveness.

degrade

Suggests a reduction in quality or moral standing.

FAQs

How can I use "detract from" in a sentence?

Use "detract from" to show that something reduces the value or quality of something else. For example, "The confusing plot "detracts from" the movie's appeal".

What are some alternatives to "detract from"?

Alternatives include phrases like "diminish from", "take away from", or "lessen the impact of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "distract from" instead of "detract from"?

"Distract from" and "detract from" have different meanings. "Distract from" means to divert attention, while "detract from" means to reduce value or quality. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "detract from" and "subtract from"?

"Detract from" implies a reduction in quality or reputation, whereas "subtract from" refers to a numerical decrease. For instance, criticism might "detract from" an artist's reputation, while expenses "subtract from" profits.