See them off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "See them off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when someone is accompanying others to a departure point, such as a train station or airport, to say goodbye. Example: "I went to the airport to see them off before their long journey abroad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Now let us see them off together.

The New York Times

All are supposed to see them off, although repeated treatments might be needed.

The Guardian

Three people came to see them off at 10 30 a.m. last Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

"Stella Creasy will see them off by out-organising them," say colleagues.

The Guardian

"We were driving Peg & Jack to the airport to see them off for Florida when my husband,….

The New Yorker

Some of them are no better than Championship sides and the fact we can't see them off is unacceptable.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The redevelopment has already seen them off.

The Guardian

(Their son, Bill, saw them off at the airport).

The New York Times - Magazine

Anyway, we've seen them off in my patch".

The Guardian

"Just cut cuffs and collar, and I'll saw them off," he said, and left.

The New Yorker

"So you can't have a family seeing them off at a gate".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "See them off" to describe the act of accompanying someone to a departure point, such as an airport or train station, to say goodbye. This phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "See them off" when you simply mean to dismiss or reject someone's idea. Use a different phrase, such as "dismiss" or "reject", to convey that meaning more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "See them off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of accompanying someone to their departure point to bid farewell. It is used to describe the act of saying goodbye and wishing someone well on their journey, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "See them off" is a commonly used phrasal verb that describes the act of accompanying someone to their point of departure to bid farewell. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, with a primary usage in News & Media. The phrase functions to convey well wishes and support at the start of a journey. Related phrases include "bid them farewell" and "wave goodbye to them". When using "See them off", ensure it aligns with the meaning of bidding farewell and not simply dismissing an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accompany them to their departure

Highlights the act of going with them to where they are leaving from.

Bid them farewell

Emphasizes the act of saying goodbye.

Send them on their way

Focuses on the action of facilitating their departure.

Say goodbye to them at the airport

Specifies the location of the farewell.

Wave goodbye to them

Emphasizes the act of bidding farewell with a wave.

See them on their journey

Focuses on wishing them well during their travels.

Escort them to the station

Specifies the mode and destination of the escort.

Help them depart

Highlights assisting with the process of leaving.

Drive them away

Emphasizes the action of making someone leave.

Defeat them

Focuses on overcoming an opponent or challenge.

FAQs

What does "See them off" mean?

The phrase "See them off" means to go to the place where someone is beginning a journey (such as an airport or station) in order to say goodbye.

How to use "See them off" in a sentence?

You can use "See them off" in sentences like, "I went to the airport to see my friends off before their flight" or "My parents always come to the station to see me off when I travel".

What can I say instead of "See them off"?

You can use alternatives like "bid them farewell", "wave goodbye to them", or "send them on their way" depending on the context.

Is "See them off" formal or informal?

"See them off" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.