remove excess water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remove excess water" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you need to indicate the action of eliminating surplus water, such as in cooking, cleaning, or scientific procedures. Example: "After boiling the vegetables, make sure to remove excess water to prevent them from becoming soggy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Run the casing between your fingers to remove excess water.

The New York Times - Magazine

Machines called vacuum concentrators remove excess water from thin wine made from high-yield grapes.

The New York Times - Food

When the pasta is ready, toss in a colander to remove excess water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pat the spring onions dry with kitchen paper, gently pressing to remove excess water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Soak the burghul in cold water for 10 minutes, drain and press to remove excess water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Put the colander into the salad spinner and spin to remove excess water.

The New York Times

Squeeze the gelatine to remove excess water, add to the strawberry mixture and stir until dissolved.

Independent

Drain the carrots in a colander, shaking well to remove excess water.

The New York Times

Fluid collects in the tissues, producing swelling, known as dropsy or edema, because the kidneys cannot remove excess water.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Squeeze the gelatine leaves to remove excess water, then add to the wine syrup and stir until fully dissolved.

Independent

Take the grated courgette in handfuls and squeeze well to remove excess water, before adding to the bowl.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "remove excess water" from food, specify the method (e.g., use a colander, pat with paper towels, or squeeze gently) to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid completely drying out materials or food when the intention is only to "remove excess water". Leaving a small amount of moisture may be necessary for the desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remove excess water" functions primarily as an instruction or direction. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage in contexts requiring the elimination of surplus water, such as cooking, cleaning, and scientific procedures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remove excess water" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across diverse fields such as cooking, cleaning, and science. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and wide applicability. The phrase functions primarily as an instruction, adaptable to both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key, and specifying the removal method is often beneficial. While widely applicable, it's essential to avoid over-drying and consider the desired level of moisture for optimal results. Alternative phrases include "drain excess water" and "eliminate excess water".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drain excess water

Replaces "remove" with "drain", focusing on the action of letting water flow away.

eliminate excess water

Substitutes "remove" with "eliminate", suggesting a complete removal of the water.

extract excess water

Uses "extract" instead of "remove", implying a more forceful removal process.

draw out excess water

Employs "draw out" to indicate a gradual or subtle removal of water.

get rid of excess water

Replaces "remove" with the more informal "get rid of", conveying the same meaning.

soak up excess water

Suggests using an absorbent material to remove the water.

wick away excess water

Implies a process of drawing water away from a surface using capillary action.

blot excess water

Focuses on using a cloth or paper to absorb the excess water from a surface.

squeeze out excess water

Implies a physical action to force water out of a material.

dry off excess water

Suggests drying a surface to remove water.

FAQs

How can I use "remove excess water" in a recipe?

In recipes, "remove excess water" often refers to draining cooked pasta, squeezing moisture from vegetables, or blotting meat dry before cooking. For example: "After boiling the spinach, "squeeze out excess water" before adding it to the quiche."

What's a more formal way to say "remove excess water"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "eliminate excess water" or "extract excess water". These alternatives are suitable for scientific papers, technical manuals, or business reports.

Is there a difference between "remove excess water" and "drain excess water"?

"Remove excess water" is a general term, while "drain excess water" specifically implies using gravity to let water flow away, typically with a colander or similar device.

When should I not "remove excess water"?

Sometimes, retaining a small amount of water is desirable. For instance, when steaming vegetables, you might want to leave a bit of moisture for tenderness. Similarly, in certain chemical processes, completely drying a sample may lead to unwanted side reactions; therefore, proceed with caution and consult "best practices" first.