Understanding phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency in English. Phrasal verbs, combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb, often have meanings that differ significantly from the individual words.
“Wipe away” is one such phrasal verb, commonly used to describe the act of removing something, often a liquid or a mark, with a wiping motion, or metaphorically, to eliminate a feeling or memory. This article will provide a detailed exploration of “wipe away,” covering its definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and practical exercises to help you master its use.
Whether you are an ESL learner or a native speaker looking to refine your grammar skills, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use “wipe away” correctly and effectively.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. By the end of this guide, you will be able to confidently use “wipe away” in a variety of contexts, both literal and figurative, and avoid common errors.
Table of Contents
- Definition of “Wipe Away”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Usage
- Examples of “Wipe Away” in Sentences
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of “Wipe Away”
“Wipe away” is a phrasal verb that combines the verb “wipe” with the adverbial particle “away.” It primarily means to remove something from a surface by rubbing it with a cloth, hand, or other object. This is the literal sense.
Figuratively, “wipe away” can mean to eliminate or erase something, such as a memory, a feeling, or a problem.
Classification: Phrasal Verb (Transitive)
Function: To describe the physical act of removing something by rubbing, or the metaphorical act of eliminating something intangible.
Contexts: “Wipe away” is used in both formal and informal contexts. In literal contexts, it’s common in everyday situations, such as cleaning or dealing with spills. In figurative contexts, it appears in literature, poetry, and everyday conversation to express emotional or abstract concepts.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of “wipe away” is straightforward: it consists of the verb “wipe” and the particle “away.” The verb “wipe” indicates the action of rubbing something across a surface, while “away” signifies the removal or disappearance of the object being wiped. The phrasal verb is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object.
The object can come between “wipe” and “away” or after the entire phrasal verb, depending on the length and type of object.
Structure: Verb + Particle (Wipe + Away)
Transitivity: Transitive (requires a direct object)
Object Placement: The object can be placed either between “wipe” and “away” or after “wipe away.” For example, both “wipe the tears away” and “wipe away the tears” are grammatically correct. However, if the object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle (e.g., “wipe it away”).
Types and Categories of Usage
“Wipe away” can be categorized into two main types of usage: literal and figurative. Understanding these categories will help you use the phrasal verb correctly in various contexts.
Literal Usage
In its literal sense, “wipe away” refers to the physical act of removing something from a surface by rubbing it. This typically involves using a cloth, hand, or other object to clean or clear the surface.
Examples include wiping away spills, cleaning surfaces, or removing marks from a whiteboard.
Figurative Usage
In its figurative sense, “wipe away” refers to the act of eliminating or erasing something intangible, such as a memory, a feeling, or a problem. This usage often conveys a sense of resolution or relief.
Examples include wiping away someone’s tears, wiping away bad memories, or wiping away doubts.
Examples of “Wipe Away” in Sentences
The following sections provide extensive examples of “wipe away” used in various contexts. These examples are categorized by literal and figurative usage, as well as by verb tense, to illustrate the versatility of this phrasal verb.
Literal Usage Examples
The table below provides examples of “wipe away” used in its literal sense. These examples illustrate how the phrasal verb is used to describe the physical act of removing something from a surface.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She used a cloth to wipe away the spilled milk. | Describes the act of cleaning up a spill. |
| He wiped the sweat away from his forehead. | Describes the act of removing sweat. |
| Please wipe away the crumbs from the table. | A request to clean the table. |
| The rain helped to wipe away the dust from the car. | Describes how rain cleaned the car. |
| I need to wipe away the fingerprints on the window. | Describes cleaning fingerprints. |
| He wiped away the mud from his boots before entering the house. | Describes cleaning mud from boots. |
| The waiter wiped away the water rings with a napkin. | Describes cleaning water rings. |
| She wiped away the grease from the stovetop. | Describes cleaning grease. |
| He wiped away the marker stains from the whiteboard. | Describes cleaning marker stains. |
| The janitor wiped away the graffiti from the wall. | Describes cleaning graffiti. |
| She wiped away the sauce that had dripped onto the counter. | Describes cleaning spilled sauce. |
| He wiped away the dirt from his glasses so he could see better. | Describes cleaning dirt from glasses. |
| The wind wiped away the sand that had accumulated on the deck. | Describes wind cleaning sand. |
| She wiped away the water droplets from the mirror. | Describes cleaning water droplets. |
| He wiped away the coffee stain from his shirt. | Describes cleaning a coffee stain. |
| The cleaner wiped away the grime from the window. | Describes cleaning grime. |
| She wiped away the residue from the sticker. | Describes cleaning sticker residue. |
| He wiped away the paint splatters from the floor. | Describes cleaning paint splatters. |
| The machine wiped away the excess glue from the product. | Describes a machine cleaning excess glue. |
| She wiped away the condensation from the glass. | Describes cleaning condensation. |
| He wiped away the melted ice cream from his child’s face. | Describes cleaning melted ice cream. |
| The automatic wiper wiped away the rain from the windshield. | Describes a wiper cleaning rain. |
| She wiped away the spilled sugar from the counter. | Describes cleaning spilled sugar. |
| He wiped away the smudges from the screen. | Describes cleaning screen smudges. |
| She wiped away the footprints from the freshly mopped floor. | Describes cleaning footprints. |
| He wiped away the snow from the car’s headlights. | Describes cleaning snow. |
| She wiped away the ink from the paper. | Describes cleaning ink. |
| He wiped away the sticky residue from the table. | Describes cleaning sticky residue. |
Figurative Usage Examples
The table below provides examples of “wipe away” used in its figurative sense. These examples illustrate how the phrasal verb is used to describe the act of eliminating something intangible, such as a feeling or a memory.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| He tried to wipe away the bad memories of the accident. | Describes trying to forget a traumatic event. |
| She wiped away her tears and tried to smile. | Describes overcoming sadness. |
| The victory wiped away the pain of the previous defeat. | Describes how a win erased the memory of a loss. |
| Time can often wipe away the sting of disappointment. | Describes how time heals emotional wounds. |
| He hoped to wipe away her doubts with his reassurances. | Describes trying to eliminate someone’s uncertainties. |
| The new policy seeks to wipe away inequalities in the workplace. | Describes a policy aimed at eliminating unfairness. |
| She wanted to wipe away the feelings of guilt. | Describes trying to eliminate guilt. |
| He tried to wipe away the negative thoughts that plagued him. | Describes trying to eliminate negative thoughts. |
| The counselor helped her wipe away the trauma from her past. | Describes therapy helping to eliminate trauma. |
| The success of the project wiped away their initial fears. | Describes how success eliminated fear. |
| He wanted to wipe away the misunderstandings between them. | Describes trying to eliminate misunderstandings. |
| She tried to wipe away the awkwardness of the situation. | Describes trying to eliminate awkwardness. |
| The apology helped to wipe away some of the anger. | Describes how an apology reduced anger. |
| He hoped to wipe away the damage caused by his mistake. | Describes trying to undo harm. |
| She wanted to wipe away the stigma associated with mental illness. | Describes trying to eliminate stigma. |
| He tried to wipe away the self-doubt that held him back. | Describes trying to eliminate self-doubt. |
| The new law aimed to wipe away corruption in the government. | Describes a law aimed at eliminating corruption. |
| She wanted to wipe away the loneliness she felt. | Describes trying to eliminate loneliness. |
| He tried to wipe away the frustration of the long delay. | Describes trying to eliminate frustration. |
| The program seeks to wipe away poverty in the region. | Describes a program aimed at eliminating poverty. |
| She hoped to wipe away the bitterness of the past. | Describes trying to eliminate bitterness. |
| He tried to wipe away the anxiety before the presentation. | Describes trying to eliminate anxiety. |
| The new initiative aims to wipe away discrimination in hiring. | Describes an initiative aimed at eliminating discrimination. |
| She wanted to wipe away the pressure she felt to succeed. | Describes trying to eliminate pressure. |
| He tried to wipe away the embarrassment from the incident. | Describes trying to eliminate embarrassment. |
| The team worked hard to wipe away the deficit. | Describes eliminating a deficit. |
| She wiped away the sadness with happy thoughts. | Describes eliminating sadness. |
Examples by Tense
This table demonstrates the use of “wipe away” in different tenses. Understanding how to conjugate the verb “wipe” is crucial for using the phrasal verb correctly in various time frames.
| Tense | Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | She wipes away the crumbs after every meal. | Describes a habitual action. |
| Present Continuous | He is wiping away the spilled juice right now. | Describes an action happening at the moment. |
| Past Simple | I wiped away the tears when I heard the news. | Describes a completed action in the past. |
| Past Continuous | She was wiping away the dust when I arrived. | Describes an action in progress in the past. |
| Present Perfect | They have wiped away all the evidence. | Describes an action completed at an unspecified time in the past. |
| Past Perfect | He had wiped away the message before she saw it. | Describes an action completed before another action in the past. |
| Future Simple | I will wipe away your worries, I promise. | Describes an action that will happen in the future. |
| Future Continuous | She will be wiping away the paint splatters later. | Describes an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. |
| Future Perfect | By the time you arrive, I will have wiped away all traces of the party. | Describes an action that will be completed before a specific time in the future. |
| Present Perfect Continuous | She has been wiping away the dirt all morning. | Describes an action that started in the past and is still continuing. |
| Past Perfect Continuous | He had been wiping away the mud for hours before he gave up. | Describes an action that was in progress for a period of time before another action in the past. |
| Conditional Simple | If I could, I would wipe away all your pain. | Describes a hypothetical action. |
| Conditional Perfect | If he had known, he would have wiped away the mistake immediately. | Describes a hypothetical action in the past. |
| Imperative | Wipe away the mess immediately! | Gives a command or instruction. |
| Infinitive | To wipe away the sadness, she listened to music. | Used as part of an infinitive phrase. |
| Gerund | Wiping away the guilt was a long process. | Used as a noun. |
| Past Participle (Passive Voice) | The evidence was wiped away by the rain. | Used in the passive voice to describe what was done to the evidence. |
| Modal Verb (Can) | I can wipe away the stain with this cleaner. | Expresses ability. |
| Modal Verb (Should) | You should wipe away the spill before someone slips. | Expresses advice or obligation. |
| Modal Verb (Must) | We must wipe away the errors before submitting the report. | Expresses strong obligation or necessity. |
| Modal Verb (Might) | She might wipe away the message if she changes her mind. | Expresses possibility. |
| Modal Verb (Could) | If you try hard, you could wipe away the remaining marks. | Expresses possibility or ability. |
Usage Rules
Understanding the rules governing the use of “wipe away” is essential for using it correctly. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
- Transitivity: “Wipe away” is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it requires a direct object.
- Object Placement: The object can be placed either between “wipe” and “away” or after “wipe away.” However, if the object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.
- Tense Consistency: Ensure that the verb “wipe” is conjugated correctly to match the tense of the sentence.
- Literal vs. Figurative: Be mindful of whether you are using “wipe away” in its literal or figurative sense, as this can affect the overall meaning of the sentence.
Common Mistakes
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes when using phrasal verbs. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “wipe away”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I wiped away it. | I wiped it away. | Pronouns must go between the verb and the particle. |
| She wipe away the tears. | She wipes away the tears. | The verb “wipe” must agree with the subject in number and tense. |
| He tried to wiping away the memories. | He tried to wipe away the memories. | After “to,” use the base form of the verb. |
| Wipe away, please the table. | Wipe the table away, please. OR Wipe away the table, please. | Incorrect word order. |
| The rain wiped off the dust. | The rain wiped away the dust. | Using the wrong particle changes the meaning. |
| They have wipe away the evidence. | They have wiped away the evidence. | Use the correct past participle form of the verb “wipe.” |
| She will wiping away the mess later. | She will be wiping away the mess later. | Correct form for future continuous tense. |
| He was wipe away the sweat. | He was wiping away the sweat. | Correct form for past continuous tense. |
| I am going to wipe away it. | I am going to wipe it away. | Pronouns must go between the verb and the particle. |
| We must to wipe away the errors. | We must wipe away the errors. | Do not use “to” after modal verbs like “must.” |
Practice Exercises
The following exercises will help you practice using “wipe away” correctly. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of the phrasal verb, such as filling in the blanks, constructing sentences, and correcting errors.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “wipe away.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She _______ the tears from her eyes. | wiped away |
| 2. He is _______ the spilled coffee. | wiping away |
| 3. They will _______ the graffiti from the wall. | wipe away |
| 4. I have _______ all the doubts. | wiped away |
| 5. We should _______ the mess before it dries. | wipe away |
| 6. She _______ it away quickly. | wiped |
| 7. He had _______ the evidence before the police arrived. | wiped away |
| 8. The rain _______ the dust from the car. | wiped away |
| 9. She is trying to _______ the bad memories. | wipe away |
| 10. They are going to _______ the inequalities. | wipe away |
Exercise 2: Sentence Construction
Construct sentences using “wipe away” with the given prompts.
| Prompt | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. Tears, sadness | She wiped away her tears, trying to hide her sadness. |
| 2. Dust, table | He wiped away the dust from the old wooden table. |
| 3. Doubts, reassurance | He hoped his reassurance would wipe away her doubts. |
| 4. Memories, try | She tried to wipe away the painful memories of the past. |
| 5. Guilt, apology | He hoped his apology would wipe away her feelings of guilt. |
| 6. Sweat, forehead | He wiped away the sweat from his forehead after the workout. |
| 7. Mess, quickly | She wiped away the mess quickly before her parents arrived. |
| 8. Doubts, success | The success of the project wiped away their initial doubts. |
| 9. Injustice, law | The new law aims to wipe away the injustice in the system. |
| 10. Frustration, deep breaths | She took deep breaths to wipe away the frustration she felt. |
Exercise 3: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. I wiped away it quickly. | I wiped it away quickly. |
| 2. She wipe away her tears. | She wipes away her tears. |
| 3. He is going to wiping away the spill. | He is going to wipe away the spill. |
| 4. They have wipe away all the evidence. | They have wiped away all the evidence. |
| 5. We must to wipe away the errors. | We must wipe away the errors. |
| 6. She will wiping away the mess later. | She will be wiping away the mess later. |
| 7. He was wipe away the sweat. | He was wiping away the sweat. |
| 8. I am going to wipe away it now. | I am going to wipe it away now. |
| 9. We should wipe away, please the table. | We should wipe the table away, please. OR We should wipe away the table, please. |
| 10. She tried wiping away the bad memories. | She tried to wipe away the bad memories. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s important to understand more nuanced aspects of phrasal verb usage. “Wipe away,” while seemingly simple, can be used in idiomatic expressions and more complex sentence structures.
For example, you might encounter it in literary contexts where the figurative meaning is heavily emphasized, or in technical writing where precision is crucial.
One advanced topic is the subtle difference between “wipe away” and similar phrasal verbs like “wipe off” or “wipe down.” While they all involve cleaning, “wipe away” often implies a more complete removal or a sense of finality. “Wipe off” might suggest a more superficial cleaning, and “wipe down” implies cleaning a surface generally.
Another area to explore is the use of “wipe away” in passive voice constructions. For example, “The evidence was wiped away by the rain” is a passive sentence where the emphasis is on the action done to the evidence, rather than who performed the action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “wipe away,” along with detailed answers to help clarify any remaining doubts.
- Q: What is the difference between “wipe away” and “wipe off”?
A: “Wipe away” often implies a more complete removal or elimination, both literally and figuratively. “Wipe off” generally means to remove something from a surface, but it doesn’t necessarily suggest the same level of finality. For example, you might “wipe away” tears, suggesting you’re trying to stop crying, but you’d “wipe off” dirt from your shoes, implying a simple cleaning. - Q: Can I use “wipe away” with any object?
A: While “wipe away” can be used with a wide range of objects, it’s most commonly used with liquids, marks, or intangible things like memories or feelings. It would sound odd to say “wipe away a table” because “wipe down” would be more appropriate for cleaning a table. - Q: Is it correct to say “wipe away it”?
A: No, it is incorrect. When the object is a pronoun (e.g., it, them, him, her), it must be placed between the verb and the particle. The correct sentence would be “wipe it away.” - Q: How do I know when to use “wipe away” figuratively?
A: You can use “wipe away” figuratively when you want to describe the act of eliminating something intangible, such as a feeling, memory, or problem. The context of the sentence will usually make it clear whether you’re using it literally or figuratively. - Q: What are some synonyms for “wipe away”?
A: Some synonyms for “wipe away” include “erase,” “eliminate,” “remove,” “clear,” and “obliterate.” The best synonym to use will depend on the specific context. - Q: Can “wipe away” be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, “wipe away” can be used in formal writing, especially when used figuratively. However, it’s important to consider the tone and audience of your writing. In some cases, a more formal synonym might be more appropriate. - Q: How do I conjugate “wipe away” in different tenses?
A: You conjugate the verb “wipe” according to the tense, while “away” remains unchanged. For example: Present Simple: I wipe away; Past Simple: I wiped away; Future Simple: I will wipe away. - Q: Is “wipe away at” a correct usage?
A: While you might occasionally see “wipe away at,” it’s not a standard or common usage. “Wipe away” is generally used without the additional “at.” If you’re thinking of repetitive wiping, you might rephrase to something like “He kept wiping at the stain, trying to wipe it away.”
Conclusion
Mastering the phrasal verb “wipe away” involves understanding its literal and figurative meanings, its structural rules, and common mistakes to avoid. By practicing with the examples and exercises provided in this guide, you can confidently use “wipe away” in a variety of contexts.
Remember to pay attention to the placement of the object, the correct tense of the verb, and the overall meaning you want to convey.
Phrasal verbs like “wipe away” are essential components of fluent English. Continuously expanding your knowledge of these verbs will significantly enhance your communication skills.
Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different usages to solidify your understanding. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to use “wipe away” and other phrasal verbs with ease and accuracy.