tear away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tear away" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when you want to emphasize the quick speed in which something is removed. For example, "She tore away the letter in anger before anyone could read it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

It is hard to tear away.

The New York Times - Arts

We never tear away the earth's skin.

Harvard University

Now large numbers are ready to tear away at it.

The New Yorker

But mostly, he urges us to tear away our blinders.

The New York Times - Books

I tried to tear away the stones with my hands.

The Guardian

The local tearaways tear away on 250cc motorbikes.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

A specially designed 9 Fr tear-away sheath-dilator unit is used to place leads.

Journal of Arrhythmia

He also voices Barrel and the "Clown with the Tear-Away Face".

Wikipedia

Wear these tear-away button joggers at home or pair them with heels for a sporty statement.

HuffPost

Tear-away clothing is a popular option for male strippers.

WikiHow

Tear-away stabilizer can be gently ripped away from beneath the threads.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tear away" to describe a quick and often forceful removal of something, whether physical or metaphorical. For example, "The wind tore away the roof" or "He couldn't tear himself away from the captivating book."

Common error

Avoid using "tear away" in highly formal writing where a more neutral verb like "remove" or "detach" might be more appropriate. The phrase often implies a level of force or urgency that may not suit the tone of the piece.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "tear away" primarily functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating an action of forceful separation or removal. It describes something being detached or extracted quickly and often with considerable effort. Ludwig AI confirms its active usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tear away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe forceful or reluctant separation, frequently found in news and media and Wiki sources. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. While generally neutral in register, avoid overuse in strictly formal contexts. Alternatives like "rip off" or "break away" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When writing, focus on using "tear away" where a quick and forceful action is intended, and remember to consider the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rip off

Implies a forceful and often sudden removal, similar to "tear away" but often suggests damage or destruction in the process.

pull off

Suggests a more controlled removal, differing from the abruptness often associated with "tear away".

break away

Indicates a sudden separation or escape, focusing on the act of freeing oneself or something else.

peel off

Describes a gradual and layered removal, unlike the immediate action of "tear away".

strip away

Implies removing something completely and thoroughly, whereas "tear away" can be more localized.

pluck away

Suggests a precise and careful removal, differing from the force implied by "tear away".

wrench away

Highlights the forceful and potentially violent nature of the removal, more so than a simple "tear away".

detach

Is a more formal and neutral term for separating something, lacking the forcefulness of "tear away".

extract

Suggests careful or technical removal, unlike the rough action implied by "tear away".

remove forcefully

Adds emphasis to the strength used in the action and it's more descriptive than idiomatic.

FAQs

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

You can use "tear away" to describe the forceful removal of something, as in "The storm tore away the fence". It can also describe the act of reluctantly leaving something, like "I couldn't "tear myself away" from the movie".

What does it mean to "tear yourself away"?

To "tear yourself away" means to make a significant effort to leave something you enjoy or are compelled to stay with, often implying reluctance or difficulty.

What are some synonyms for "tear away"?

Some synonyms for "tear away" include "rip off", "pull off", "break away", and "strip away", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "tear away" instead of "remove"?

"Tear away" is best used when the removal involves force, speed, or a degree of violence. "Remove" is a more neutral term suitable for general situations where force isn't necessarily implied. For instance, you might "tear away" a bandage, but simply "remove" a book from a shelf.