wipe off excess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wipe off excess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of removing surplus material or substance from a surface or object. Example: "After applying the paint, make sure to wipe off excess to achieve a smooth finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Remove the pieces and wipe off excess fat.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Heat a grill to high, wipe off excess marinade and cook the salmon for about 4 minutes on each side or until it forms an even crust and the flesh can be flaked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One at a time, dip the top of each éclair into the mixture to glaze, lift vertically and wipe off excess from the lower end with the back of your finger⁷.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One at a time, dip the top of each eclair into the mixture to glaze, lift vertically and wipe off excess from the lower end with the back of your finger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Wet the blotter in pH 1.9 buffer, wiping off excess liquid.

Biological Procedures Online

Keep a wet paper towel handy for wiping off excess glue as you work.[2].

WikiHow

Wait an hour for the oil to sink in, then wipe off the excess.

The Washington Post

Pat the aubergine dry and wipe off any excess salt.

BBC

Use a clean sponge to wipe off the excess liquid when the time's up.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wipe off excess" in instructions, specify the tool or material for wiping (e.g., "wipe off excess with a clean cloth") to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "wipe off excess" without mentioning what to use for wiping. For example, instead of saying "Wipe off excess", say "Wipe off the excess paint with a brush".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wipe off excess" functions primarily as an instructional verb phrase, typically used in how-to guides, recipes, and other forms of instructive content. It directs the user to remove any surplus material after an application or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

58%

News & Media

34%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wipe off excess" is a common and grammatically sound directive, frequently used in instructional contexts across various domains. According to Ludwig, it serves to instruct users on removing surplus materials to achieve a desired outcome. The phrase is particularly prevalent in WikiHow and News & Media sources, reflecting its accessibility and general applicability. While the phrase is straightforward, specifying the wiping material enhances clarity. Alternatives like "remove surplus" or "clear away excess" can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove surplus

This alternative is more formal and general, focusing on the removal of extra material without specifying the method.

clear away excess

This alternative implies a more thorough removal, suggesting a clearing of the area.

eliminate extra

This alternative focuses on completely getting rid of what is not needed.

take off the extra

This alternative is more casual and emphasizes the action of taking something off.

extract the surplus

This alternative suggests a more precise and careful removal of the excess.

draw off the excess

Implies removing liquid excess, a subtle difference in application.

blot up excess

This phrase specifically refers to absorbing extra liquid using an absorbent material.

mop up surplus

Specifically addresses the action of cleaning up excess liquid with a mop.

skim off the top

This refers to removing a layer from the surface, typically a liquid or semi-liquid.

drain off the excess

Specifically refers to removing excess liquid by letting it flow away.

FAQs

What does "wipe off excess" mean?

The phrase "wipe off excess" means to remove any extra or surplus amount of a substance from a surface by using a wiping motion. It implies cleaning or reducing the amount of something to an appropriate level.

How do I use "wipe off excess" in a sentence?

You can use "wipe off excess" in a sentence like this: "After applying the stain, "wipe off excess" with a clean cloth to prevent dark spots."

Are there any synonyms for "wipe off excess"?

Yes, some synonyms for "wipe off excess" include "remove surplus", "clear away excess", or "eliminate extra", depending on the context.

Is it necessary to specify what to use to wipe when using "wipe off excess"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the wiping material (e.g., cloth, paper towel) often adds clarity and precision to the instruction or description. For example, "Wipe off excess with a damp cloth" is clearer than simply ""wipe off excess"".