wipe excess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wipe excess" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to removing surplus material, such as liquid or residue, from a surface. For example, "After applying the paint, be sure to wipe excess from the brush." Alternative expressions include "remove excess" and "clear away excess."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Once all the tiles are up, take the sponge, slightly damp, and wipe excess thinset from them.

The New York Times

Curl lashes, wipe excess mascara off the wand with a tissue and apply in a gentle zigzag motion to avoid clumping.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Use paper towel to wipe excess off rim.

WikiHow

Carefully wipe excess oil, old oil into a plastic container, and then deal with it.

WikiHow

Use a cloth or rag to wipe excess grease from the end of the barrel.

WikiHow

Be sure to wipe excess off after doing this and see "Warnings" concerning this method.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

And wet wipes are essential for an in-tent wash or for wiping excess mud of your boots.

Independent

I pat his head in a sensitive but professional way, wiping excess hair gel on his shirt from Pink.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cut off excess shim stock off and wipe any excess caulk off.

WikiHow

Lift out, wipe off excess puree and arrange the fish on a plate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Remove the chicken from the marinade, and wipe off excess from the surface.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wipe excess", specify the substance being removed (e.g., "wipe excess glue") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid adding adverbs like "completely" or "thoroughly" to "wipe excess" as it already implies removing the surplus material. Using "wipe excess" alone is usually sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wipe excess" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "wipe" is the verb indicating the action and "excess" acts as a noun specifying what is being wiped. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is generally correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

52%

News & Media

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wipe excess" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that instructs or describes the removal of surplus material. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally correct and understandable across contexts. Predominantly found in "Wiki" and "News & Media" sources, its neutral register makes it versatile for various communication styles. Related phrases include "remove surplus" and "clear away the excess". When using "wipe excess", specify the substance for clarity, and avoid unnecessary adverbs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove surplus

Focuses on the act of taking away what's extra, emphasizing the reduction of quantity.

clear away the excess

Highlights the process of getting rid of the surplus, suggesting a more thorough removal.

eliminate the extra

Emphasizes the complete removal of what is not needed.

take off the overage

Implies taking something off a surface that exceeds the required amount.

sponge away the surplus

Specifies the use of a sponge for removing the excess material.

blot off the residue

Suggests using an absorbent material to take away the remaining substance.

mop up the spillage

Specifically addresses the removal of accidentally spilled liquid.

soak up the excess

Describes the process of absorbing the surplus material, usually liquid.

extract the overflow

Focuses on the action of drawing out something that has spilled over.

dry off the spillage

Implies the action of drying a wet spill.

FAQs

How can I use "wipe excess" in a sentence?

You can use "wipe excess" when you need to remove surplus material from a surface. For example, "After applying the wax, "wipe excess" with a clean cloth."

What's a more formal way to say "wipe excess"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "remove the surplus" or "eliminate the excess."

What is the difference between "wipe off" and "wipe excess"?

"Wipe off" generally means to clean something by wiping, while "wipe excess" specifically refers to removing an overabundance of something from a surface.

Can "wipe excess" be used for abstract concepts, or only physical substances?

While "wipe excess" is most commonly used for physical substances like glue or paint, it can metaphorically apply to abstract concepts like wiping away "excess emotions" (though this is less common).