What Does “Strip sth away” Mean?
“Strip sth away” means to remove something completely, often layers or parts of an object, idea, or feeling.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “strip sth away” is commonly used in English to describe the act of taking something off or removing layers from an object or situation. It’s often used in both literal and figurative ways. For example, you can strip paint away from a wall or strip away distractions to focus better. Understanding the strip sth away meaning helps learners use it naturally in daily conversations and writing. This phrase adds clarity when describing removal or reduction.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: strip something away
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to remove something completely
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Strip sth away” is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place the object between “strip” and “away.”
- strip something away
- strip away something
Both forms are correct, but “strip something away” is more common in everyday speech.
How to Use Strip sth away?
Use “strip sth away” when you want to describe removing outer layers or parts of something. It can be physical, like removing paint, or abstract, like stripping away emotions or distractions. Always follow it with a direct object, which is what you are removing.
Examples include: stripping away old wallpaper, stripping away false beliefs, or stripping away unnecessary details.
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using “strip sth away”:
- The workers stripped the old paint away before repainting the house.
- In meditation, you strip away all distractions to find inner peace.
- The documentary strips away the myths surrounding the event.
- She stripped away her fears and faced the challenge bravely.
Strip sth away in a sentence often highlights the act of removal clearly and effectively.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the word order or omit the object after “strip.” Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: Please strip away.
- Correct: Please strip the wallpaper away.
- Incorrect: They stripped away the.
- Correct: They stripped away the old paint.
Always remember to include the object after “strip” and before or after “away.”
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include “take off,” “peel off,” and “remove.” However, “strip sth away” often implies a complete or thorough removal, sometimes of layers or abstract things.
- Take off: Usually for clothes or items that can be lifted away quickly.
- Peel off: Often used with skins or thin layers, like fruit skin.
- Remove: More general and formal, used for any kind of taking away.
“Strip sth away” is stronger when describing something being taken off fully or deeply.
Common Collocations
“Strip sth away” is frequently used with these objects:
- Paint: removing paint from a surface
- Wallpaper: removing wallpaper from walls
- Layers: taking off layers of material or meaning
- Distractions: removing things that disturb focus
- Emotions: getting rid of feelings or pretenses
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of strip sth away:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “strip sth away”:
Anna: We need to strip the old paint away before starting the renovation.
Mark: Yes, the walls look rough. I’ll bring the tools.
Anna: Great! Also, we should strip away any distractions while we work.
Mark: Agreed. Let’s focus and get the job done quickly.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of “strip sth away”:
- They decided to ________ the old wallpaper ________ before painting the room.
- During the interview, she ________ her nervousness ________ and spoke clearly.
- We need to ________ distractions ________ to finish this project.
FAQ
- What does “strip sth away” mean? It means to remove something completely, often layers or parts of an object or idea.
- Is “strip sth away” separable? Yes, you can place the object either between “strip” and “away” or after “away.”
- Can “strip sth away” be used figuratively? Yes, it can describe removing abstract things like emotions or distractions.
- What level of English is “strip sth away”? It is typically considered a B2 level phrasal verb.
- Can I use “strip away” without an object? Usually, you need an object after “strip” to make the meaning clear.
