Grammar fix
detract from
reduce overall quality
If something detracts from another thing, it makes that thing seem less attractive, effective, or impressive.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The outdated website detracts from the company's otherwise professional image.
The park near my flat is lovely, but the graffiti on the walls does detract from it a bit.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The poor lighting detracts of the painting.
Say: The poor lighting detracts from the painting.
The fixed phrase uses 'detract from', not 'detract of'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Make something less good overall
How formalConversationalFormal
let downNames the weak feature that makes the whole thing disappointing.take away fromSomething reduces the quality or enjoyment of an otherwise good experience.
detract fromYou're here · A more formal way to describe a feature reducing overall quality.