it takes away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it takes away' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to something being removed or lost. For example: "The loud noise from the construction outside my window takes away my ability to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It takes away, not deepens, its mystery.

The Guardian - Books

"It takes away the competition.

The New York Times

"It takes away your memories".

The New York Times

It takes away naivete.

The Guardian

"It takes away from the gravitas".

The New York Times

It takes away the "taken for granted".

The New York Times - Science

"It adds more than it takes away.

The New York Times

It takes away from our team.

The New York Times - Sports

It takes away all my difficulties".

The New Yorker

But it takes away your veteran advantage.

The New York Times - Sports

And it takes away belief.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "erodes" or "eliminates" if you want to emphasize the degree of removal or the impact of the loss.

Common error

Avoid using "it takes away" when the effect is merely a slight inconvenience rather than a significant loss or impairment. Choose a more appropriate verb if the impact is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it takes away" functions as a causative verb phrase. It indicates that something causes the removal, reduction, or loss of something else. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it commonly expresses how one thing negatively impacts another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it takes away" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that describes the removal or reduction of something. According to Ludwig's analysis, it's considered grammatically correct and appears most often in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure that the context clearly shows what is being removed and the impact of the removal. Consider stronger synonyms for emphasis or alternative phrasing for better clarity. Remember to use "it takes away" when you want to express that something diminishes or eliminates an element, and ensure it fits the tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lessens

Similar to 'reduces', but often used for abstract qualities like pain or stress.

it detracts from

This alternative suggests a lessening of value or importance, subtly different from complete removal.

it eliminates

Implies a complete removal of something, often something undesirable.

it reduces

Focuses on decreasing the quantity or size of something.

it deprives of

Highlights the act of preventing someone from having something.

it diminishes

Implies a gradual reduction in size, quality, or intensity, rather than an immediate taking away.

it erodes

Suggests a gradual wearing away, often used metaphorically for things like trust or confidence.

it steals

Emphasizes the unjust or unwelcome removal of something.

it negates

Indicates a complete cancellation or nullification, which is a stronger effect than simply taking away.

it counteracts

Suggests an opposing action that neutralizes or diminishes the effect of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "it takes away" in a sentence?

You can use "it takes away" to describe the removal of something, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "The noise "it takes away" my focus" or "The new policy "it takes away" our freedom".

What are some alternatives to "it takes away"?

Some alternatives include "it detracts from", "it diminishes", "it reduces", "it lessens", or "it eliminates", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it takes away from" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it takes away from" is grammatically correct and often used to indicate that something reduces the value or quality of something else. For example, "The scandal "it takes away from" his reputation".

What's the difference between "it takes away" and "it gives away"?

"It takes away" means to remove or subtract something, while "it gives away" means to provide or reveal something, often unintentionally. They are antonyms with opposite meanings.