Phrasal verbs "take off" vs "tear off"

Differences between take off and tear off

Take off usually means to remove something from oneself or to leave a place, especially by air, whereas tear off generally means to rip or pull something forcefully from a surface.

Meanings and Definitions: take off vs tear off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Take off

  • 1Make great progress.

    The software house really TOOK OFF when they produced the latest version of their DTP package.

  • 2Reduce the price of an item.

    They've TAKEN ten percent OFF designer frames for glasses.

  • 3When a plane departs or leaves the ground.

    The flight for Dublin TOOK OFF on time.

  • 4Remove.

    It was hot, so I TOOK my jacket OFF.

Tear off

  • 1Remove part of a form or letter using your hands, not scissors.

    She TORE the slip OFF the bottom of the form and sent it with her cheque.

  • 2Leave at high speed.

    The police TORE OFF in their car after arresting her.

  • 3Remove with force.

    The storm TORE the roof OFF.

Usage Examples: take off, tear off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

take off

Example

The plane is scheduled to take off at 3 pm.

Example

The airplane takes off in 30 minutes.

tear off

Example

She tore off a piece of paper to write a note.

Example

He tears off a page from the calendar every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take off

To take something away from a surface or from oneself.

Example

She removed her coat and hung it on the hook.

To leave a place, especially by air.

Example

The plane is scheduled to depart at 6 pm.

To successfully accomplish or achieve something, especially something challenging.

Example

He managed to pull off the project despite the tight deadline.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tear off

To forcefully tear or pull something from a surface.

Example

He ripped off the band-aid from his arm, causing a sharp pain.

To quickly and forcefully take something away from someone or something.

Example

The thief snatched away her purse and ran away.

To remove a layer or covering from something by pulling or tearing it.

Example

She peeled off the wallpaper to reveal the old paint underneath.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “tear”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in take off vs tear off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: take off or tear off?

In daily conversation, people use take off more often than tear off. This is because take off is used for more daily tasks and routines such as removing clothes or leaving a place. Tear off is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about ripping or pulling something. So, while both phrases are used, take off is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of take off and tear off

Take off and tear off are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of take off and tear off

The tone of take off and tear off can differ based on context. Take off often carries a practical or casual tone, especially when referring to removing clothes or leaving a place, while tear off typically has a forceful or aggressive tone, especially when referring to ripping or tearing something.

take off & tear off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Tear off

Synonyms

Antonyms

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