tore off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tore off' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate an abrupt action, such as severing something from its mooring. For example, "He tore off the shirt collar in frustration".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Motorcycles tore off in pursuit.

The New Yorker

He tore off his socks.

The New Yorker

"It tore off half the cabinet doors".

The New York Times - Travel

One man suddenly tore off the corner of a….

The New Yorker

David tore off the paper and stared at it.

The New Yorker

He tore off a leaf and handed it to me.

The New Yorker

They tore off hunks and threw them against nearby walls.

The New York Times - Arts

My mother tore off one side of the envelope.

The New Yorker

He tore off his helmet in a sign of distress.

The New York Times

I tore off the hijab and rose to my feet.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Further, winds tore-off and damaged a number of roofs.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tore off" when you want to emphasize a forceful or sudden removal or departure. It conveys a sense of immediacy and can add impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "tore off" interchangeably with phrasal verbs like "took off" or "ripped off" if the intended meaning involves a specific type of forceful separation or a quick departure, respectively. "Took off" generally means to leave, while "ripped off" often implies fraud.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tore off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "tore" (past tense of "tear") with the particle "off", creating a new meaning. Based on the examples provided by Ludwig, its main use is to describe the act of forcefully removing something or leaving quickly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "tore off" is a common and versatile expression used to describe forceful removal or swift departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While leaning towards a neutral register, it effectively conveys abruptness and immediacy. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as the violence of "ripped off" or the speed of "dashed off". Understanding the nuances of "tore off" and its related phrases will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ripped off

Similar meaning but implies more force or violence in the removal.

pulled off

Indicates removal with effort, often implying overcoming resistance.

snapped off

Suggests a quick, sharp break or detachment.

detached

More formal term indicating separation or disconnection.

peeled off

Implies removing a layer or covering.

broke away

Focuses on the act of separating oneself from something.

dashed off

Refers to leaving quickly or hastily.

sped away

Specifically indicates a rapid departure in a vehicle.

hurried away

Suggests a quick departure due to urgency.

stormed off

Implies an angry or frustrated departure.

FAQs

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

You can use "tore off" to describe a forceful removal, as in "He tore off the bandage" or to indicate a hasty departure, such as "They tore off down the street."

What can I say instead of "tore off"?

You can use alternatives like "ripped off", "pulled off", or "dashed off" depending on the context.

Is "tore off" formal or informal?

"Tore off" leans toward the informal side but is acceptable in most general writing contexts. More formal alternatives like "detached" may be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "tore off" and "took off"?

"Tore off" implies a forceful removal or a very quick start or departure, while "took off" generally means to leave or depart without necessarily implying force or haste. For example, an alternative to tore off in some contexts is "sped away", to imply the use of transport.