flake off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flake off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of something peeling or coming off in small pieces, often used in contexts related to paint, skin, or other materials. Example: "After a few weeks of exposure to the elements, the old paint began to flake off the wooden surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When it was attached to steel that was rusty, it would flake off even without rain.

The New York Times - Magazine

By working slowly, in tiny sections, the varnish began to flake off easily.

The New York Times - Arts

Their make-up will flake off and the scene will die out.

The Guardian - Music

Now and then a corner would flake off, crumbling like a moth's wing.

The New Yorker

Finally, there is the problem that layers may flake off beyond 40 micrometres (0.004 centimetre, or 0.002 inch) of thickness i.e., more than 50,000 years in age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Criticising him is a bit like having a go at Cardinal Hume", he says, "but now the tide may be turning, the veneer starting to flake off".

The Economist

He would do what you asked for two weeks, then flake off and do his own thing for a month or two.

The New Yorker

In the same year the smoke- and cobweb-encrusted paint on the ceiling began to flake off and float to the floor.

The New Yorker

"By 2003," she said, "it had reached a point where the paint surface had weakened and was beginning to chip and flake off".

The New York Times

The malnutrition had ravaged her skin, causing it to flake off, leaving behind weeping sores across her arms, legs and chest.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead of bulk flake-off behavior, wear mechanism of the M-CrN coating is the micro-area detachment.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical deterioration, use "flake off" to convey the specific image of small pieces detaching, as opposed to larger chunks or complete separation.

Common error

While "flake off" is widely understood, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "exfoliate", "detach", or "degrade" depending on the context to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "flake off" functions primarily as a descriptive term, detailing the process by which a material separates in thin layers or small pieces. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts ranging from deteriorating paint to skin conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

53%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "flake off" commonly describes the process of something detaching in small pieces or abandoning a responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and wiki sources. While versatile, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. When referring to physical detachment, specify the material and process for greater clarity. While widely understood, using it in certain contexts may come across as informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peel away

Emphasizes the action of something detaching in a layer or sheet.

chip off

Suggests a small piece breaking away from a larger whole.

come off

A general term for something detaching or separating.

fall off

Implies a downward movement as something detaches.

break away

Focuses on the sudden separation from something.

crumble away

Suggests a gradual disintegration.

drop out

Indicates withdrawal or abandonment of an activity or commitment.

back out

Implies reneging on a promise or agreement.

bail out

Suggests leaving a situation, often abruptly, to avoid trouble.

opt out

Indicates a conscious decision to withdraw from something.

FAQs

What does "flake off" mean?

The phrasal verb "flake off" can mean to come off in small, thin pieces or to abandon a commitment or responsibility. The meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What can I say instead of "flake off" when describing physical detachment?

Depending on the specific context, you can use alternatives like "peel away", "chip off", or "come off".

How do I use "flake off" in a sentence about skin?

You might say, "Dry skin can "flake off" during the winter months", indicating that small pieces of skin are detaching due to dryness.

Is it appropriate to use "flake off" in formal writing?

While widely understood, "flake off" can sound informal, especially when used to mean abandoning a commitment. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives depending on the intended meaning.