scale off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scale off" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct in standard contexts.
It could be used in specific technical or informal contexts, such as discussing the reduction of size or intensity in a process or measurement. Example: "To achieve the desired effect, we need to scale off the brightness of the image."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Home runs began to scale off his bat in droves, crowds jammed ball parks in every city in which he appeared".

The New York Times

The a-C H coa-C Hs without interlayer on substrates excoatings hydroxyl appetite scale off soon after exposing to the air to the contrast that the coatings withoutterlayer show the scratch strength of adhesinterlayer25 N.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Oxidation in air at 950 °C indicated that the bare alloy exhibited poor oxidation resistance due to the formation of TiO2/AlNbO4 mixture and intended to scale off at the TiO2 rich zone.

Surface and Coatings Technology

If filing cast iron, be sure to knock the scale off first!

WikiHow

Humidity in the air can affect the weight and throw the scale off slightly.

WikiHow

Seborrheic dermatitis is a scaly skin condition that most frequently affects the scalp, dandruff being the common name for the skin particles that scale off the scalp.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We believe that the project will establish new world benchmarks for megawatt scale off-grid renewables," Barker says.

The Guardian

U.S. electronics firms have on a large scale off-shored and outsourced their manufacturing activities.

Japan and the World Economy

Humidification dehumidification (HDH) desalination systems are well suited for small scale, off-grid desalination.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

However, the initiative has not been able to reach remote areas in the Amazon, thus requiring a review of conditions for small scale off-grid power generation projects.

Renewable Energy

Amphibian mortality events in relatively pristine and protected settings cause particular concern because they may be linked to larger scale, off-site factors that interact with local landscape features.

Biological Conservation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scale off" in technical contexts, ensure the meaning is clear from the surrounding text, as it may not be universally understood. Consider alternative phrases like "peel away" or "flake off" for broader clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "scale off" in formal academic or business writing. Opt for more precise and widely recognized terms such as "reduce", "decrease", or "diminish" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scale off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of something detaching or being removed, often in layers or small pieces. Ludwig suggests that it can also refer to reducing something in size or intensity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "scale off" generally describes the process of something detaching in layers or a reduction in size or intensity. Ludwig AI identifies its usage as acceptable, though not always the most precise choice for formal writing. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts. If you're aiming for clarity and formality, consider using alternatives like "peel away" or "reduce". While not incorrect, being mindful of the intended audience is key when deciding to use "scale off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peel away

Focuses on the action of something detaching in layers.

flake off

Emphasizes the detachment of small, thin pieces.

chip off

Suggests a small piece breaking away from a larger surface.

fall away

Describes a gradual separation or decline.

come away

Indicates a general separation or detachment.

rub off

Suggests removal through friction or contact.

wear away

Highlights the gradual erosion or removal over time.

erode away

Emphasizes the process of something being gradually worn down and removed.

detach

A more formal term for separating or disconnecting.

come unstuck

Describes something that was previously attached becoming separated.

FAQs

What does "scale off" mean?

The phrase "scale off" generally means to peel off or detach in layers. It can also refer to a reduction in size or intensity.

What can I say instead of "scale off"?

You can use alternatives like "peel away", "flake off", or "chip off" depending on the context.

Is "scale off" formal or informal?

The phrase "scale off" tends to be more informal or technical. For formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "reduce" or "detach".

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

Example: "The paint began to "scale off" the wall due to the moisture." Another example: "We need to "scale off" the brightness of the image to achieve the desired effect."