takes away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of removing or subtracting something from a situation or context. Example: "The new policy takes away the benefits that employees previously enjoyed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Age takes away everything".

The New York Times - Arts

"It takes away the competition.

The New York Times

"It takes away your memories".

The New York Times

"This takes away that step".

The New York Times

This takes away that excuse".

The New York Times

It takes away naivete.

The Guardian

"It adds more than it takes away.

The New York Times

This takes away some of his pleasure.

The New Yorker

"It takes away from the gravitas".

The New York Times

"This takes away their ability to hide".

The New Yorker

It takes away the "taken for granted".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes away" when you want to emphasize the removal or subtraction of something, often with a negative connotation. For instance, "Stress takes away from your overall well-being."

Common error

While "takes away" is common, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "diminishes", "reduces", or "eliminates" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes away" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a phrasal verb. It expresses the action of removing, reducing, or diminishing something. As seen in Ludwig's examples, this phrase frequently appears in sentences describing a negative impact or consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes away" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of removing or diminishing something, often with a negative impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While common, it's essential to consider the formality of your writing and choose more precise alternatives like "removes", "reduces", or "eliminates" when a more sophisticated tone is required. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, you can effectively use "takes away" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Removes

Indicates a more direct and forceful removal.

Subtracts

Implies a mathematical or precise reduction.

Diminishes

Suggests a gradual reduction in size, importance, or quality.

Reduces

Similar to subtracts, but less precise and more general.

Eliminates

Indicates a complete removal or eradication.

Detracts from

Suggests that something is lessened in value or importance.

Impairs

Indicates a weakening or damaging effect.

Undermines

Implies a gradual weakening or destabilization.

Compromises

Suggests a reduction in quality or effectiveness due to some factor.

Erodes

Implies a gradual wearing away or destruction.

FAQs

What does "takes away" mean?

The phrase "takes away" means to remove, subtract, or diminish something. It often implies a loss or reduction in value, quality, or effect.

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

You can use "takes away" to describe how something reduces or eliminates something else. For example, "The new policy "removes the benefits" that employees previously enjoyed."

What are some alternatives to "takes away"?

Alternatives to "takes away" include "removes", "subtracts", "diminishes", "reduces", and "eliminates". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "take away" or "takes away"?

"Takes away" is the third-person singular form, used when the subject is singular (e.g., "He takes away"). "Take away" is used for other subjects (e.g., "I take away", "They take away").