Take off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Take off" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to removing something, such as clothing or an object, or when talking about an aircraft departing. Example: "Please take off your shoes before entering the house." Alternative expressions include "remove" and "lift off."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Take Off".

The New Yorker

Take off your shirts".

The New Yorker

Take off his pants.

The New York Times - Arts

"Take off your top".

The New Yorker

"Take off your boots".

The New Yorker

Take off my handcuffs, please.

The New York Times

Take off your knee braces!

The New Yorker

"Take off".

The New Yorker

Take off your wrists.

WikiHow

Take off the towel.

WikiHow

Take off the shingle.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Take off" to mean 'depart', specify the mode of transport (e.g., "The plane will take off soon") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "Take off" in formal writing when a more precise term like "remove" or "depart" would be more appropriate. Context matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "Take off" functions as a multi-purpose verb with various meanings, including removing an item, departing, or achieving success. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility is evident in the wide range of contexts where it's applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

38%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Take off" is a highly versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, ranging from removing an object to describing a departure or a surge in success. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While "Take off" is generally appropriate for informal and neutral contexts, more formal situations may benefit from using more precise alternatives like "remove" or "depart". As evidenced by the analysis, it's most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media content. To ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity, always consider the context when using "Take off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Remove

Focuses specifically on the action of taking something away or off.

Depart

Emphasizes the act of leaving or starting a journey.

Leave

A more general term for going away from a place or situation.

Lift off

Specifically refers to an aircraft leaving the ground.

Doff

A more formal or literary term for taking off clothing.

Subtract

Used when referring to deducting or removing a quantity.

Imitate

Refers to mimicking someone, often satirically.

Absent oneself

Focuses on the act of being away from work or responsibilities.

Become successful

Describes the flourishing or thriving of a business or venture.

Start

Implies beginning a journey or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "Take off" to mean removing something (e.g., "Take off your shoes"), departing (e.g., "The plane will take off soon"), or becoming successful (e.g., "The business is really taking off").

What is a synonym for "Take off" when referring to an airplane?

When referring to an airplane, a synonym for "Take off" is "lift off".

Which is correct: "Take off your hat" or "Take your hat off"?

Both "Take off your hat" and "Take your hat off" are grammatically correct, but "Take off your hat" is the more common phrasing.

What does it mean when a business is described as "taking off"?

When a business is described as "taking off", it means that it is "becoming successful" and growing rapidly.