STRIP AWAY

National Parks

📖 Definition

To strip away means to remove or to get rid of something non-essential, revealing what is underneath. This action might involve physical layers or metaphorical elements like assumptions or preconceptions.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To strip away means to remove or to get rid of something non-essential, revealing what is underneath. This action might involve physical layers or metaphorical elements like assumptions or preconceptions.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
Yes
The object can go between 'strip' and 'away'.
Register
Neutral
Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object to act upon.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple strip away They need to strip away old wallpaper before painting.
Past Simple stripped away He stripped away the misconceptions about the process last year.
Present Continuous stripping away She is stripping away unnecessary details as we speak.
Present Perfect have stripped away The team has stripped away outdated regulations recently.

💡 When to Use

Removing physical layers
Use when physically removing outer layers to reveal what lies beneath. This is common in restoration or renovation projects.
Example: "They must strip away the old paint before applying the new coat."
Eliminating non-essential elements
Employ when removing intangible layers, such as misunderstandings or exaggerations, to discover the basic truth or core issue.
Example: "To solve the problem, let's strip away the irrelevant details."
Simplifying complex concepts
Applied when condensing complex ideas into simpler forms, often in educational or explanatory contexts.
Example: "The professor helped by stripping away the complex jargon from the theory."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb tense
❌ Wrong: She strip away the old paint yesterday.
✅ Correct: She stripped away the old paint yesterday.
💡 Tip: Past actions require past tense verbs.
Wrong placement of object
❌ Wrong: Strip the wallpaper away.
✅ Correct: Strip away the wallpaper.
💡 Tip: Keep 'strip away' together unless emphasizing the object.
Omission of object
❌ Wrong: He decided to strip away.
✅ Correct: He decided to strip away the layers of old paint.
💡 Tip: Always specify what is being stripped away.
Practice

STRIP AWAY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

remove eliminate

Antonyms

add

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Before repainting, you must ___ the old layers first."

added
strip away
stripper
skipped

"To find one's true self, one must strip away the layers of ego that cloud genuine understanding and connection with others."

In Context

Michelangelo Buonarroti, the celebrated Renaissance artist, spent four years painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling, a masterpiece of art that speaks volumes about human potential and creativity. Before he could begin this monumental task, Michelangelo had to strip away the original painted decorations on the ceiling, which were modest and unassuming. This laborious process involved removing old plaster and preparing a fresh surface. As Michelangelo worked, he felt the weight of expectation upon him. Stripping away layers of previous work symbolized a new beginning, an opportunity to create something unparalleled. His vision for the chapel was ambitious; however, he remained undeterred. Through his dedication, Michelangelo aimed to strip away the misconceptions about painting the ceiling, transforming it into a dynamic expression of biblical stories. Despite physical strain and artistic challenges, Michelangelo persisted, wrestling with the complexities of both artistic technique and his relationship with the church. By the time he finished in 1512, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was an exquisite representation of artistic genius that had truly stripped away older conventions, leaving a masterpiece that continues to inspire. Today, people from around the world gaze up, unaware of the layers Michelangelo stripped away to reveal this awe-inspiring fresco.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Strip Away

What is the origin of strip away?

+
The term 'strip away' derives from the late 19th-century use of 'strip,' meaning to remove coverings or outer layers, combined with 'away' as a directional adverb to imply complete removal.

Can strip away be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Strip away' is a neutral phrasal verb used in both formal contexts, such as academic or business discussions, and informal settings, like everyday conversations about tasks or perceptions.

What is the difference between strip away and remove?

+
'Strip away' often implies a thorough or layered removal, revealing what lies beneath, while 'remove' is broader, indicating extraction or displacement without specifying depth or layers.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

peel offtake offclear outcut outdo away with
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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