I think you might mean “scratch out” or “nothing left.” Let's analyze some possible synonyms for these phrases:
For “scratch out”
1. Cross out
- Meaning: To draw a line through something written or printed to indicate that it is incorrect or no longer valid. For example, “Please cross out the wrong answer and write the correct one.”
- Usage difference: “Cross out” is a more common and straightforward way of indicating the removal of something written. In comparison to “scratch out,” it usually implies a neater and more deliberate act of cancellation. “Scratch out” can sometimes suggest a more forceful or hasty action, as if the person is quickly erasing or obliterating the text.
2. Strike through
- Meaning: To draw a line through text to show that it is to be deleted or ignored. For example, “The editor struck through the redundant sentences in the manuscript.”
- Usage difference: “Strike through” is very similar to “cross out” in meaning and usage. However, it might have a more formal or editorial connotation. It's often used in the context of proofreading or amending written documents. In contrast to “scratch out,” it gives the impression of a more precise and perhaps less destructive way of indicating deletion.
3. Erase (in a non - digital sense)
- Meaning: To remove something written or drawn, usually by rubbing it out. For example, “Use an eraser to erase the pencil marks on the paper.”
- Usage difference: “Erase” implies a more complete removal of the written material. In comparison to “scratch out,” it aims to make the original mark disappear completely, rather than just crossing it out. For example, when you scratch out a word, you can still see it, but when you erase it, the intention is to make it as if it was never there in the first place.
For “nothing left”
1. None remaining
- Meaning: Indicating that there is no more of something; that everything has been used up or taken away. For example, “After the party, there were none remaining of the delicious cupcakes.”
- Usage difference: “None remaining” is a more formal way of expressing the absence of something. In comparison to “nothing left,” it might be used in more written or official contexts. For example, in a report about inventory, you might say “There were none remaining of the product in stock” to convey a precise and objective fact.
2. Zero leftovers
- Meaning: Emphasizing that there is absolutely nothing left over after a particular process or event. For example, “The recipe was so good that there were zero leftovers after dinner.”
- Usage difference: “Zero leftovers” is a more emphatic way of saying there's nothing left. It's often used in a context related to food or materials that could potentially have some remaining quantity. In comparison to “nothing left,” it has a more specific and sometimes humorous tone, as if highlighting the thoroughness of consumption or use.
3. All gone
- Meaning: A simple and common way to express that everything has disappeared or been used. For example, “The ice - cream was all gone in a matter of minutes.”
- Usage difference: “All gone” is a very casual and easy - to - understand phrase. In comparison to “nothing left,” it has a more child - like or informal tone. It's often used in spoken language or in contexts where a simple and direct expression of depletion is needed.