subtract something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtract something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical contexts or when discussing the removal of an item or element from a group or set. Example: "To find the total cost, you need to subtract the discount from the original price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That's why the idea of selling filters that add something to water, even as they subtract something else, isn't actually surprising at all — it's pretty much inevitable.

The New York Times - Magazine

In other words, if you add or subtract something and it does not cause a key metric to go up in some significant way, then that change was meaningless.

TechCrunch

Also, I have decided that if I add something to my home, I need to simultaneously subtract something I have.

Huffington Post

Try to add or subtract something to "the plan".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

One has to accustom oneself to the minute variations in the texture of the pulse as each eight-bar section adds or subtracts something from the charging rhythm in many of these pieces.

The New York Times - Arts

(What is indisputable is that adding it without subtracting something else would violate Mr. Obama's campaign pledge not to raise taxes on families making less than $250,000 a year).

The New York Times

"Are we waking up this song," asked Felice, "or putting it to sleep?" Millie said, "Do that again," and Dee obliged, and Millie subtracted something that had only been ornamental.

Huffington Post

If you think that a supernatural being made a covenant with certain people and their descendants at Mount Sinai, or that another being who took human form was crucified, died and then came to life again, or that an angel spoke to Muhammad in the desert near Mecca, you will think that my approach to religion subtracts something crucially important.

Huffington Post

These are disparate worlds to bridge, but Sbtrkt (pronounced subtract) has something of each in him.

The New York Times - Arts

Find revenue and then subtract costs... but something you may not have realized is how many unique routes a programmer may take to create a program that accomplishes this given task.

Huffington Post

One way to assess the health of something new is to subtract all the visible influences, precedents and received ideas and see if there is any pulse left.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subtract something" in technical writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is being subtracted and the units involved for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "subtract something" when the intended meaning is to replace or substitute. Subtraction implies removal, not exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtract something" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "subtract" is the verb and "something" serves as the direct object. It indicates the action of taking away or reducing a quantity or element, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subtract something" is grammatically sound and used to indicate the removal or reduction of a quantity or element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression, though relatively infrequent. Its usage spans across news, media, and wiki contexts, generally maintaining a neutral register. While perfectly acceptable, remember to consider synonyms like "deduct" or "remove" for more formal settings and always ensure clarity about what's being subtracted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deduct something

Replaces "subtract" with "deduct", implying a formal or accounting context.

take away something

Uses more common vocabulary to express removing something.

remove something

Focuses on the act of taking something away.

eliminate something

Implies a complete removal of something unwanted.

omit something

Suggests intentionally leaving something out.

withdraw something

Suggests the act of taking something back or away.

extract something

Focuses on carefully removing a specific part.

discount something

To reduce or disregard something.

curtail something

To cut short or reduce something.

lessen something

Implies reducing the intensity or amount of something.

FAQs

How can I use "subtract something" in a sentence?

You can use "subtract something" to indicate the removal of an element or quantity from a whole. For example, "To calculate the net profit, you need to subtract expenses from the total revenue."

What can I say instead of "subtract something"?

You can use alternatives like "deduct something", "take away something", or "remove something" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "subtract something" instead of "deduct something"?

"Subtract something" is generally used in mathematical contexts or informal settings, while "deduct something" is more appropriate in formal or accounting contexts.

What is the difference between "subtract something" and "eliminate something"?

"Subtract something" implies reducing a quantity, while "eliminate something" means completely removing something from consideration or existence.