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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
scratch-free
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
37 human-written examples
Smooth scratch-free surfaces should provide a baseline for contact resistance studies.
Science
Each specimen is polished to produce a scratch-free surface prior to tests.
"The mobile phone occupies a kind of glossy, scratch-free world," he says.
News & Media
The soft inner lining helps the screen remain scratch-free, while the Velcro-fastening leather flap keeps it secure.
News & Media
The Klyp case, as it's called, is a pretty standard slip-on case with a rubbery "soft touch" exterior and feltlike, scratch-free liner.
News & Media
He glanced down at the car's scratch-free, shiny blue seats and asked a PATH official rapid-fire questions about the car's age.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
23 human-written examples
Those who overturn a system are rarely given a peaceful period in which to adjust, let alone to consider all the interests of society in rebuilding from scratch, free of the need for vigilance.
News & Media
He works in various forms: the Bill Evans-like, thinking-man's jazz-trio pianist, all open space and harmonic subtlety; the solo pianist, probing and darting and building thematic colonies as he goes; the gestural, start-from-scratch free improviser; the importer of classical technique into jazz standards; the interpreter of songs by Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota.
News & Media
When Pierre appears in the outfield, it is a reminder of another one of General Manager Ned Colletti's head-scratching free-agent acquisitions.
News & Media
Mr. Christie, a Republican, campaigned last year as a conservative bent on changing the state's back-scratching, free-spending political culture, and as governor he has not shied away from fights.
News & Media
All the laser damage thresholds of scratches are much lower than scratch free surface, but no obvious dependence of the LIDT on the scratch morphology is found.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In technical documentation, use this term to define the required finish of a specimen to ensure clarity in methodology
Common error
Do not use ""scratch-free"" when you mean that something was created without using existing materials. That concept is expressed by the adverbial phrase "from scratch". ""scratch-free"" only describes the physical condition of a surface
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
""scratch-free"" is primarily used as a compound adjective to describe the pristine state of a physical surface. According to Ludwig, it frequently modifies nouns such as "surface", "screen" or "image" to denote the absence of physical damage or digital artifacts.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
35%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Academia
5%
Encyclopedias
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The term ""scratch-free"" is a highly productive compound adjective used to describe objects in a state of physical perfection. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is prevalent in scientific research and technical reviews where surface integrity is paramount. While it is almost always hyphenated in professional writing, users should be careful not to confuse its literal meaning with the idiomatic phrase "starting from scratch", which refers to origins rather than physical condition. Overall, it is a versatile and universally understood descriptor for quality and maintenance.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
scuff-free
Specifies the absence of friction marks rather than sharp cuts
unmarked
A broader term indicating the absence of any visible signs of use
blemish-free
Refers to the lack of any spots or surface imperfections
unmarred
A more formal synonym meaning not disfigured or damaged
without a scratch
A prepositional phrase used to describe the result of an event
flawless
Suggests a higher degree of perfection beyond just lack of scratches
pristine
Implies being in its original, clean and fresh condition
intact
Focuses on the wholeness of the object rather than just its surface
smooth
Describes the texture resulting from a lack of surface damage
mint condition
A collector term for an item that is effectively new
FAQs
How do I use "scratch-free" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe a surface that is pristine, such as saying, "The screen protector keeps your phone "unmarred" and ""scratch-free""" or "The goal is to achieve a "flawless finish"".
What can I say instead of "scratch-free"?
Depending on the context, you might use "unmarked", "blemish-free", or "pristine".
Should "scratch-free" always have a hyphen?
Yes, when it is used as a compound adjective before a noun, it should be hyphenated. For example, a "scratch-free surface". While some writers omit the hyphen when it follows a verb, the hyphenated form remains standard in professional writing.
What is the difference between "scratch-free" and "scuff-free"?
While both describe surfaces without damage, ""scratch-free"" specifically refers to the absence of sharp lines or cuts, whereas "scuff-free" refers to the absence of marks caused by rubbing or friction.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested