Cool MateRemove vs Strain those out
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Remove
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Strain those out
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Remove
| Remove | Strain those out | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmuːv/","/rɪˈmuːvz/","/rɪˈmuːvd/","/rɪˈmuːvɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmuːv/","/rɪˈmuːvz/","/rɪˈmuːvd/","/rɪˈmuːvɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //streɪn ðəʊz aʊt//🇺🇸 //streɪn ðoʊz aʊt// |
| Meaning | To take something away or get rid of it. | To remove or separate solid pieces from a liquid. |
| Example | Please remove the stain from the carpet. | After boiling the pasta, you should strain those out before serving. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | altogether, completely, entirely, try to, be possible to, be difficult to, for, from, with, altogether, completely, entirely, try to, be possible to, be difficult to, for, from, with | strain the pasta, strain the mixture, strain the vegetables |
| Antonyms | add, include | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'remove' with 'erase' — 'erase' is often used for writing or drawings., Using 'remove' without a clear object — remember to specify what is being removed., Incorrectly using 'removal' as a verb. | Using 'strain' without an object, e.g., 'strain out should have an object.', Confusing 'strain' with 'drain' which has different nuances., Not using 'those' correctly in a plural context. |
| Usage notes | Use 'remove' in neutral contexts, such as formal writing or conversations. It is less common in informal speech where simpler words like 'take away' might be preferred. | Use in cooking contexts when separating ingredients. Avoid using in formal writing, as it's more colloquial. |
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Frequently asked questions: Remove vs Strain those out
What's the difference between Remove and Strain those out?
Remove: To take something away or get rid of it. Strain those out: To remove or separate solid pieces from a liquid.
Which is more common: Remove and Strain those out?
Remove is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Remove: Please remove the stain from the carpet. Strain those out: After boiling the pasta, you should strain those out before serving.
Can I use Remove and Strain those out interchangeably?
Not always. Remove and Strain those out are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.