tearing away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tearing away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of forcibly removing or separating something from a surface or context, often implying a sense of urgency or violence. Example: "The storm was so fierce that it felt like it was tearing away the very fabric of the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Retinas were then isolated by tearing away the sclera and gently peeling away the RPE layer.

Nature

The winger quickly fired home an angled shot to win it before tearing away in glee.

The Telegraph

My ­father ran out of the store just as the car was tearing away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The invisible hand is tearing away the ideals that once held together most of our institutions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Throughout the show, she kept tearing away baggy clothes to wear navel-baring outfits underneath.

The New York Times - Arts

The rude tearing away of Vichy's veil coincided with the implementation of the Final Solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

He nibbled on a fried chicken leg, tearing away a dark, greasy sliver and chewing on it viciously, happily.

The New Yorker

But they are particularly useful in tearing away the mythology surrounding the most controversial episode in Mr Chávez's presidency.

The Economist

In an aisle, a man banged into Lauren's left arm with his cart, tearing away part of a big mole.

The New York Times

It sometimes issues from behind clenched teeth, or explodes in the sudden tearing away of intravenous tubes and catheters.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Red bricks were torn away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tearing away", consider the level of force and abruptness you wish to convey. Choose synonyms like "peeling away" for gentler separations or "ripping off" for more violent actions.

Common error

Avoid using "tearing away" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or nuanced term like "detaching" or "removing" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tearing away" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle construction, indicating an ongoing action of forceful separation. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the manner in which something is being removed. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tearing away" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes a forceful separation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While versatile, it's best to consider synonyms like "ripping off" or "peeling away" to fine-tune the desired level of force and formality. Be mindful of context, and avoid overuse in highly formal writing where more precise terms might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ripping off

Implies a more violent and sudden removal.

pulling off

Suggests a removal with effort but less force than "tearing".

detaching from

Indicates a separation, often in a more technical or formal context.

breaking off

Implies a sudden separation, possibly due to brittleness or weakness.

peeling away

Suggests a gradual removal, layer by layer.

stripping away

Indicates a complete removal, often leaving something bare.

extracting from

Implies a careful or deliberate removal from a larger context.

severing from

Suggests a complete and decisive separation.

wrenched from

Implies a forceful and unwilling separation.

dislodging from

Indicates a displacement or removal from a fixed position.

FAQs

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

You can use "tearing away" to describe a forceful separation, such as, "The wind was "tearing away" at the old roof."

What are some alternatives to "tearing away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ripping off", "pulling off", or "detaching from".

When is it appropriate to use "tearing away"?

"Tearing away" is appropriate when describing a forceful or abrupt removal. For more gentle separations, consider alternatives like "peeling away".

Is "tearing away" a formal or informal expression?

"Tearing away" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and many formal contexts. However, highly formal or scientific writing might benefit from more precise language.