tear off

USAGE SUMMARY

"tear off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean to forcefully remove a piece of something with your hands, usually with a ripping action. For example: She angrily tore off the top of the box in frustration.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One piece threatens to tear off.

The Economist

"No, I wouldn't tear off the label!

Independent

For napkins, we tear off chunks of bread.

The New York Times - Travel

Then they would tear off a petal and so on.

The New York Times

A woman at a casino tried to tear off his shirt.

The New York Times - Magazine

They tear off the outside covers & mail these back to the publishers.

The New Yorker

Simply tear off a piece of injera and use it to pinch up the food.

The New York Times

In a very pronounced way, she would tear off the pages she read".

The New York Times

Miller remembers fans rocking the bus and trying to tear off the side mirror.

The New York Times

Now that he has opted out, he says he's going to "tear off the rearview mirror".

The New York Times

You tear off the visor and scream.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action of forceful removal, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Tear off" implies a ripping or forceful action, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "tear off" when the action is gentle or careful. Opt for words like "remove" or "detach" to accurately describe the intended action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tear off" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of forceful separation or detachment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the act of ripping or pulling something away from a surface or object. The examples show its use in various contexts where forceful removal is involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

42%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tear off" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of forcefully removing something, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. While "tear off" implies a ripping or forceful action, alternatives like "detach" or "remove" may be more appropriate for gentler actions. When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey to ensure accurate usage. Ludwig's examples highlight the diverse applications of "tear off", ranging from physical actions to metaphorical departures, solidifying its place as a standard and useful phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rip off

This alternative is more forceful, implying a violent removal.

detach

This alternative suggests a separation without necessarily implying force.

pull away

This alternative suggests removing something by pulling it.

remove

This alternative is a general term for taking something away.

peel off

This alternative is specific to removing a layer or covering.

pluck off

This alternative is specific to removing something small and easily detached.

strip off

This alternative often refers to removing clothing quickly.

break away

This alternative implies a sudden departure or escape.

dash off

This alternative emphasizes the speed of leaving.

bolt off

This alternative suggests a quick and sudden exit, often due to fear or surprise.

FAQs

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

You can use "tear off" to describe the action of forcefully removing something from a surface or object. For example, "He had to tear off the bandage quickly" or "She angrily tore off the poster from the wall".

What can I say instead of "tear off"?

You can use alternatives like "rip off", "detach", or "remove" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tear off" or "tear away"?

"Tear off" and "tear away" are both correct and very similar in meaning, suggesting a forceful separation. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context, but they are largely interchangeable.

What's the difference between "tear off" and "peel off"?

"Tear off" implies a forceful and often ripping action, while "peel off" suggests a more gradual and layered removal, like removing a sticker or skin.