strip away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strip away" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of removing layers from something in order to reveal what is underneath. For example, "He used a knife to strip away the surface layers of the wood, revealing the beautiful grains beneath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We strip away revolves.

The New Yorker

"We strip away walls.

The New Yorker

How can exercise strip away the years?

The New York Times

And then we strip away illusions".

The New Yorker

"We wanted to strip away the artifice," Mr. Lenn said.

The New York Times

Straightening out implausibilities, they strip away the poetry.

The New Yorker

"Just strip away what's done at the centre".

The Guardian

Strip away the styles and a building will appear.

The New York Times - Magazine

It didn't needlessly strip away information about people, only numbers.

The New Yorker

So why not strip away the window dressing?

The Guardian

Strip away the promises and the offerings are virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strip away" when you want to emphasize the process of removing layers or non-essential elements to reveal the core or essential nature of something.

Common error

While "strip away" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more precise vocabulary might be more suitable. Consider alternatives like "eliminate", "remove", or "reduce" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "strip away" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage, as showcased in numerous examples across diverse source types, signifying the act of removing something from something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strip away" is a versatile phrasal verb that describes the act of removing layers or non-essential elements. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples confirm its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While generally neutral in register, more formal synonyms might be preferable in academic contexts. Use it to emphasize the process of revealing a core or essential element by removing what obscures it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove

Focuses on the act of taking something off or away from a surface or object.

eliminate

Highlights the complete removal of something, often something undesirable.

peel off

Suggests removing a layer or covering, similar to peeling fruit.

take away

Implies a removal or subtraction of something.

pare down

Emphasizes reducing something to its essential elements.

cut back

Focuses on reducing the quantity or extent of something.

reduce

Signifies a decrease in amount, size, or intensity.

discard

Highlights the action of throwing something away or rejecting it.

extract

Implies carefully removing something from a larger context.

divest

Focuses on getting rid of something, often possessions or investments.

FAQs

How can I use "strip away" in a sentence?

You can use "strip away" to describe removing layers or non-essential elements, as in "The investigation aimed to "strip away" the propaganda and reveal the truth."

What are some alternatives to "strip away"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "remove", "eliminate", "pare down", or "reduce".

Is "strip away" formal or informal?

"Strip away" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although highly formal writing might benefit from more precise synonyms.

What does it mean to "strip away" something?

To "strip away" something means to remove layers, details, or non-essential elements to reveal what remains or what is fundamental. It often implies a process of simplification or clarification.