Dash off

USAGE SUMMARY

"Dash off" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to quickly writing or completing something. Example: "I need to dash off a quick email before the meeting." Alternative expressions include "write quickly," "jot down," and "scribble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They dash off before I can say thanks.

The New Yorker

Another said: "He tends to dash off his letters without a great deal of consideration.

Independent

And whenever the drops would fall, Sasha and I would dash off in search of shelter.

The New York Times - Travel

I longed for Pamela and Clarissa to spring up and dash off protesting letters.

Independent

Reprehensibly, Kristine and I show no mercy as we dash off to join the queue.

Independent

The girls shriek with delight and dash off to go shopping.

The New York Times

Who were these people, I wondered, who could dash off rhyming alexandrines without a second thought?

The New Yorker

Once we start, everything passes in a mad blur as we dash off through the woods.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That guaranteed that every aficionado in attendance would dash off to take a peek.

The New York Times

We could barely put down our cucumber sandwiches long enough to dash off a few riffs".

The Guardian - Music

The females seemed to dash off right at the moment of their peak fertility.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dash off" when you want to convey a sense of speed and informality, either in leaving a place or in writing something quickly. It's suitable for casual conversations or narratives where a character acts impulsively.

Common error

Avoid using "dash off" in formal documents or business communications where precision and careful consideration are expected. Opt for more formal alternatives like "expedite" or "draft quickly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash off" functions as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "dash" with the particle "off" to create a new meaning, signifying either a quick departure or the act of writing something rapidly. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is generally considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dash off" is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings: to leave quickly or to write something quickly and informally. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and commonly used expression. While its use is widespread, it is more suitable for informal contexts. When in doubt in professional environments, opt for more formal alternatives. This analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, provides a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurry away

Emphasizes the speed of leaving, less about the reason for departure.

run off

Suggests leaving quickly, often without permission or explanation.

take off

Indicates a quick and decisive departure.

hasten away

Highlights the urgency and speed of departure, suitable for formal contexts.

fly

Conveys a sense of rapid movement and urgency.

bolt

Suggests a sudden and rapid movement, often due to fear or surprise.

zip

Implies swift movement or completion of something.

scribble down

Specifically refers to writing something quickly and carelessly.

jot down

Implies writing something briefly for record-keeping.

pen a note

Highlights writing a brief message or letter, often informal.

FAQs

What does "dash off" mean?

The phrase "dash off" has two primary meanings: to leave a place quickly or to write something quickly and often informally.

How can I use "dash off" in a sentence?

You can say, "I need to "dash off" to the store," meaning you need to leave quickly to go to the store. Or, "Let me "dash off" a quick note," meaning you'll write a note quickly.

What's a more formal alternative to "dash off"?

For leaving a place quickly, consider using "depart swiftly" or "excuse oneself". For writing, "draft quickly" or "expedite" may be more suitable.

Is it appropriate to use "dash off" in professional communication?

While acceptable in informal settings, it's generally better to avoid "dash off" in professional communication. More formal alternatives, such as "expedite" or "quickly draft", are preferable.