am off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is leaving or departing from a place or situation. Example: "I have a meeting to attend, so I am off now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am off home.

The Guardian - Travel

And with that, I am off.

The New York Times

I am off to work until 20.30.

Independent

I am off balance while transfixed.

The New Yorker

"Unlike you," she said, "I am off the Microsoft case".

The New York Times - Tech

So now I am off to bed (of sorts).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am off to the office around 8 30. 10.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am off to meet Vogue magazine's Fiona Golfar.

The Guardian - Books

So I am off to take a leisurely walk.

The New York Times

I am off to Glyndebourne today and will put on my dinner jacket and bow tie.

Independent

I am off on leave after this, so blogging will be light.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "am off" to clearly indicate your departure or unavailability in both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "am off" in situations requiring a more formal or precise expression of leaving, such as in official reports or legal documents. Instead, opt for phrases like "I am departing" or "I am leaving the premises".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am off" primarily functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating a state of departure or disconnection. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, demonstrating that it commonly appears in sentences expressing the act of leaving or being unavailable, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "am off" is a versatile and commonly used expression that primarily indicates departure, unavailability, or a state of disconnection. Ludwig AI analysis and numerous examples confirm its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, tending toward informal, it effectively communicates one's intention to leave or their current state of absence. Related phrases like "I'm leaving" or "I'm unavailable" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose the most appropriate expression to convey your message clearly. Understanding these nuances will ensure effective communication in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm leaving

Common alternative, directly states the act of going away.

I'm departing

More formal alternative, emphasizes the act of leaving.

I'm taking off

Informal way to say you're leaving, often quickly.

I'm heading out

Indicates starting a journey or leaving a place.

I'm out of here

Very informal expression for leaving a place.

I'm on my way

Suggests being in the process of going somewhere.

I must be going

Polite way to announce departure.

I'm unavailable

Indicates a state of not being accessible or present.

I'm excusing myself

Formal way of saying you are leaving, often to do something else.

I'm disconnecting

Suggests ceasing a connection, either physical or digital.

FAQs

What does "am off" mean in a sentence?

The phrase "am off" typically means that someone is leaving a place or is no longer available. It can also indicate that something is not functioning or is incorrect.

What can I say instead of "am off"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm leaving", "I'm departing", or "I'm heading out" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am off to"?

Yes, it is correct to say "I am off to" when indicating that you are going to a specific place or activity. For example, "I am off to the store".

What's the difference between "am off" and "will be off"?

"Am off" indicates a present or immediate departure or state. "Will be off" suggests a future departure or state. For instance, "I am off now" versus "I will be off tomorrow".