Differences between tear away and tear off
Tear away means to remove something with force or urgency, while tear off means to remove something by pulling it apart or separating it from a larger piece.
Meanings and Definitions: tear away vs tear off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Tear away
- 1Stop someone doing something unwillingly.
I had to TEAR him AWAY from the office for dinner.
- 2Remove a surface violently.
The roof was TORN AWAY in the hurricane.
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: tear away, tear off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
tear away
Example
She had to tear away her son from the video game.
Example
He tears away the old wallpaper from the wall.
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 Tear away
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tear off
To separate something from a larger piece.
Example
He detached the coupon from the magazine and handed it to the cashier.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “tear”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Phrasal Verbs with “off”
Differences in tear away vs tear off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: tear away or tear off?
Both tear away and tear off are commonly used in everyday conversation, but tear off is slightly more common. It's often used when referring to removing a part of something, such as tearing off a piece of paper or tearing off a coupon from a magazine.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of tear away and tear off
Both tear away and tear off are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, tear off can be used in more formal settings, such as when filling out a form or tearing off a ticket at an event.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of tear away and tear off
The tone of tear away and tear off can differ based on context. Tear away often carries a sense of urgency or force, while tear off typically has a more casual and practical tone.
