slough off

USAGE SUMMARY

"slough off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something shaking off or shedding something like an old skin. Example sentence: The snake slowly sloughed off its old skin to reveal a new one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has begun to slough off those qualities.

The Economist

We had to slough off political correctness and patrol mosques.

The New York Times

Things may heat up and slough off over time".

The New York Times

Slimming soaps that slough off fat in the shower.

The New York Times

Antifouling paints contain toxins (usually heavy metals) and are designed to slough off with age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Slough off your wealth, like an animal molting in the autumn," Hamid writes.

The New York Times - Books

There's a desire to slough off the fat, to keep only the essential.

The Guardian

It's high time to slough off the tyranny of British actors over American screens.

The New Yorker

Using the tubes allowed Ban to slough off his modernist masters.

The New Yorker

Applied to the face it would make the skin slough off like a rattlesnake's old coat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Australia's convict descendants went to great lengths to slough off the penal colony stain.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slough off" when describing a natural process of shedding or removing a layer, whether physical or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "slough off" when a more direct term like "remove" or "discard" is more appropriate, especially in formal writing. "Slough off" often implies a gradual or natural process.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slough off" is a phrasal verb, acting as a verb that signifies the action of shedding, discarding, or removing something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a functional verb phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slough off" is a phrasal verb that effectively describes the process of shedding or removing something, both physically and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and commonly used phrase in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or professional settings. Examples are easily found in News & Media. When using this expression, consider whether a more direct or formal term might be more appropriate, especially in professional writing. The phrase is generally well-regarded and versatile.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shed

Focuses on the natural process of losing something, similar to skin or leaves.

cast off

Implies a more deliberate or forceful rejection or removal.

discard

Suggests something is no longer useful or wanted and is being thrown away.

get rid of

A general term for eliminating something unwanted.

shake off

Indicates an attempt to free oneself from something burdensome or negative.

throw off

Suggests a forceful and sudden removal.

doff

Usually refers to removing clothing or a hat, often in a formal context.

strip off

Implies removing layers, often clothing, quickly or forcefully.

peel off

Describes removing something in a layer or sheet.

flake off

Suggests something is detaching in small pieces.

FAQs

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

You can use "slough off" to describe the shedding of skin, as in "Snakes "slough off" their skin". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "The company tried to "slough off" its negative image".

What are some alternatives to "slough off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "shed", "cast off", or "get rid of".

Is it appropriate to use "slough off" in formal writing?

While "slough off" is widely used, consider whether a more direct and formal term like "eliminate" or "remove" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Can "slough off" be used to describe both physical and abstract processes?

Yes, "slough off" can describe both physical shedding (like skin) and abstract processes, such as getting rid of old habits or outdated ideas.