I took off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I took off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has left a place or departed, often suddenly or quickly. Example: "After the meeting ended, I took off to catch my train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I took off my shoes".

The New Yorker

"I took off running toward the corner".

The New York Times

I took off my coat.

The New York Times - Magazine

I took off my clothes.

The New York Times

I took off my head.

The Guardian

I took off my jacket and shirt.

The Guardian

I took off my jester's hat.

The New Yorker

I took off all the doors.

The New York Times

So I took off all my clothes.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I took off and it worked out.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm scared!" Jonny barked, "Just go!" I took off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I took off" to convey a sense of immediacy or suddenness in your departure. For a more formal tone, consider "I departed" or "I left".

Common error

Avoid using "I took off" when you mean to describe physically removing something from yourself (e.g., clothing) if the context could be misinterpreted as leaving a place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I took off" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of leaving a place, often quickly or suddenly. Ludwig provides examples showing its common usage in describing departures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I took off" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe leaving a place, often with a sense of haste or suddenness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and offers alternatives like "I left" or "I departed" for more formal contexts. The phrase is predominantly found in news and media sources. While versatile, be mindful of potential ambiguity with the literal removal of objects. For professional or academic writing, consider more formal alternatives. This analysis provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I left

A simple and direct way to express leaving.

I departed

A more formal way of saying I left.

I went away

Emphasizes the act of going to a different place.

I set off

Highlights the beginning of a journey.

I disappeared

Suggests a sudden or mysterious departure.

I made my exit

A more theatrical or deliberate way of saying I left.

I bailed out

Implies leaving a difficult or undesirable situation.

I withdrew

A formal way to say that I moved away from something.

I cleared out

Suggests a thorough or complete departure.

I absconded

Implies a secret and often illegal departure.

FAQs

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

You can use "I took off" to indicate a quick or sudden departure. For example, "I took off after the meeting ended."

What's a more formal alternative to "I took off"?

If you're aiming for a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "I departed" or "I left".

Is "I took off" appropriate for professional communication?

While "I took off" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for casual conversations. In professional contexts, opt for "I departed" or "I left".

Can "I took off" refer to removing an item of clothing?

Yes, "I took off" can also mean removing something, such as "I took off my coat". The context should make the intended meaning clear.