Work off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Work off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reducing or eliminating something, often in the context of physical activity or debt. Example: "I plan to work off the extra calories I consumed during the holiday feast by going for a long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Work off the other person".

Vice

Work off your luncheon by getting to the mountains.

Huffington Post

Work off fat by exercising each day.

WikiHow

Millions work off the books.

The New York Times

We can't work off emotions.

The New York Times

"I work off instinct".

The New York Times - Arts

Tireless work off the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

But I can't work off of fear.

The New York Times

They didn't work off 3D blueprints.

The New York Times

Time to work off those calories.

The Guardian - Travel

"You work off a phone list.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to physical exertion to lose weight, use "Work off" followed by the specific thing being reduced, such as "Work off calories" or "Work off fat".

Common error

Avoid using "Work off" in contexts where physical exertion or debt repayment isn't implied. For abstract concepts like "Work off stress", consider alternatives like "Manage" or "Reduce" to better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Work off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "work" with the particle "off" to create a new meaning, signifying the reduction or elimination of something through effort or labor, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Work off" is a versatile phrasal verb that primarily means to reduce or eliminate something, often through physical exertion or by fulfilling an obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. You'll commonly encounter it in news articles and general writing. When using "Work off", ensure the context aligns with the sense of expending effort to reduce something tangible or settle a debt, and avoid using it for more abstract concepts where alternatives like "manage" or "reduce" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Burn off

Focuses specifically on eliminating something, often calories or energy, through physical activity.

Sweat off

Specifically relates to losing something, usually weight or toxins, through perspiration.

Get rid of

A more general term for eliminating something, applicable in various situations.

Pay off

Emphasizes the action of settling a debt through labor or other means.

Labor away

Focuses on the effortful aspect of working to reduce something, often a debt.

Eliminate

A formal term indicating complete removal or eradication.

Reduce

Highlights decreasing the quantity or intensity of something.

Alleviate

Suggests easing or lessening a burden, debt, or negative feeling through effort.

Expunge

A more formal and legalistic term for erasing or obliterating something, such as a record.

Discharge

Implies releasing or freeing oneself from an obligation or burden.

FAQs

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

You can use "Work off" to describe reducing something, like "I need to work off these extra calories", or settling a debt through labor, as in "He had to work off his debt to the company".

What's a good alternative to "Work off" when talking about exercise?

If you're talking about exercise, alternatives like "burn off" or "sweat off" might be suitable replacements, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "Work off my anger"?

While understandable, it's more common to say "Manage my anger" or "Deal with my anger". "Work off" usually implies physical effort or paying a debt, so using it for emotions is less conventional.

What's the difference between "Work off" and "pay off"?

"Work off" often suggests settling a debt through labor or effort, while "pay off" generally means settling a debt with money. "Work off" also commonly refers to physical exertion to reduce calories or weight.