wash away

USAGE SUMMARY

"wash away" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any situation in which a liquid washes away something, like sand, dirt, or tears. For example, "The gentle rain washed away the dust on the window sill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Floods wash away roads.

The New York Times

Will our homes wash away?

The Washington Post

"These things don't wash away immediately".

The New York Times

We're not going to wash away".

The New Yorker

Without the grasses, the marshlands wash away.

The New York Times

Now the waves wash away our shores.

The Guardian - Opinion

"All the rest will wash away".

The Guardian

Ionic waves wash away toxins and tension!

The New York Times

And does it wash away entirely?

The Guardian

This approach did little to wash away doubt.

The New Yorker

I was stupidly surprised when the wounds didn't wash away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wash away" to describe both literal removal by water and figurative removal of emotions, doubts, or problems. For example, "The rain washed away the mud" or "His kind words washed away her worries."

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "wash away" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like 'eliminate' or 'remove' might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wash away" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb 'wash' with the particle 'away' to create a new meaning, signifying the removal or erosion of something by water or another liquid. Ludwig's examples show it used both literally and figuratively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

30%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wash away" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the removal or elimination of something, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, wikis and science. While predominantly neutral in register, it's best to avoid in highly formal settings, preferring more precise alternatives. Remember to use "wash away" to effectively describe scenarios where something is being carried off or eliminated, enriching your writing with its expressive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rinse off

Focuses on a light washing action, suitable for surface-level cleaning.

sweep away

Suggests a broad and encompassing removal, often by a force like wind or water.

cleanse

Implies a thorough cleaning, often with a purifying connotation.

wipe out

Implies a sudden and often destructive removal.

eliminate

Shifts the focus to complete removal, suitable for abstract concepts like doubt or problems.

erase

Implies removing something completely, as if deleting writing.

eradicate

Suggests a forceful and complete removal, often of something negative or unwanted.

carry off

Focuses on the act of something being taken away by a force.

obliterate

Emphasizes the destruction and disappearance of something.

dissolve

Suggests gradual disappearance, often through chemical action or emotional release.

FAQs

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

You can use "wash away" to describe literal cleaning with water, like "The tide washed away the sandcastles", or figuratively, such as "The music seemed to wash away all her stress".

What's a good alternative to "wash away"?

Depending on the context, you could use "rinse off", "eliminate", or "sweep away". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "wash away" metaphorically?

Yes, "wash away" is often used metaphorically to describe the removal of negative emotions, doubts, or problems. For example, "The apology helped wash away the hurt feelings".

What is the difference between "wash away" and "cleanse"?

"Wash away" often implies a more superficial removal, while "cleanse" suggests a deeper purification. For example, you might "wash away" dirt, but you would "cleanse" your spirit.