sheared off completely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheared off completely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been cut or removed entirely, often in a physical context. Example: "The storm was so powerful that it sheared off completely the top of the old oak tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For this to happen, the original riser must be sheared off completely.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

By 96 h post-treatment, the disruption was extremely severe and the tegument was completely sheared off causing deeper lesions that exposed the underlying musculature.

Acta Tropica

When torsion was applied, the grooves, which are composed of grade 4 commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti), were compressed; however, the abutment interlocks, which are composed of a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), were completely sheared off.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Insulation tubes were exposed as the hotel's glass exterior was completely sheared off.

Wikipedia

But the winds knocked down many of the leafy trees, sheared off the branches of others and completely stripped the more flexible palms of their fronds.

The New York Times

In what the institute called a first, the door of the VW CC was sheared off its hinges, raising the possibility that an occupant could be partly or completely ejected.

The New York Times

The door was sheared off at the hinges on the Volkswagen CC, the first vehicle to be evaluated by the I.I.H.S. to completely lose its door, the authors noted.

The New York Times

Heads were sheared off.

The New York Times

The funnel had sheared off.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another soldier's arm was sheared off.

The Washington Post

A bomb sheared off part of a minaret in February.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "sheared off completely" to vividly describe instances where something is abruptly and entirely detached due to force or impact. It's effective in both literal (physical objects) and figurative (relationships, plans) contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "sheared off completely" in overly abstract or metaphorical situations where the imagery of a clean, forceful break is not appropriate. Simpler terms like "removed entirely" or "completely eliminated" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

"Sheared off completely" functions as a compound verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of something being forcibly and entirely detached from its base or origin. As Ludwig AI indicates, it accurately conveys a sense of abrupt and total separation. The examples show both literal and figurative usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sheared off completely" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon verb phrase used to describe something being abruptly and entirely detached. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows English usage. While acceptable in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, it is essential to consider the specific context and avoid overuse in abstract or metaphorical situations where the forceful imagery might be inappropriate. Alternatives such as "completely severed" or "entirely detached" may be more suitable in formal settings. Overall, the phrase effectively conveys a vivid image of complete separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely severed

This alternative emphasizes the act of cutting or dividing something entirely.

entirely detached

Focuses on the separation of something from its original connection, highlighting the completeness of the disconnection.

fully removed

Emphasizes the action of taking something away entirely.

cleanly separated

Highlights the precision and neatness of the separation.

totally disconnected

Focuses on the absence of any connection after the separation.

completely detached

Highlights that the item is no longer connected at all.

utterly separated

Emphasizes the complete and total nature of the separation.

sheared clean off

Reorders the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of being cut off completely.

completely cut away

Highlights the removal of something by cutting.

fully broken off

Emphasizes the breaking or snapping action that resulted in complete separation.

FAQs

How can I use "sheared off completely" in a sentence?

The phrase "sheared off completely" is used to describe something that has been abruptly and entirely detached from something else. For example, "The force of the hurricane was so strong that it "sheared off completely" the roof of the building."

What's a more formal alternative to "sheared off completely"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "entirely detached" or "completely severed" as alternatives to "sheared off completely". These options may sound more appropriate in professional writing.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "sheared off completely"?

While grammatically correct, "sheared off completely" may sound awkward or overly dramatic in certain contexts. Choose a more neutral phrase like "completely removed" when describing non-physical separations or less forceful detachments.

What is the difference between "sheared off" and "sheared off completely"?

While both phrases indicate detachment, "sheared off completely" emphasizes the thoroughness of the separation. "Sheared off" implies a cut or break, while "sheared off completely" reinforces that nothing remains connected. In most contexts, adding "completely" is for emphasis.