are off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not functioning properly or is not in its usual state. Example: "The lights in the hallway are off, so we need to check the circuit breaker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Their rhythms are off.

The New York Times

"Her hands are off.

The New York Times

"All bets are off.

The New York Times - Sports

His facts are off.

The New York Times

Everyone's phones are off!

The New Yorker

The specifications are off.

The New Yorker

The gloves are off.

Independent

Establishment gloves are off.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Materials are off-the-shelf.

The New York Times - Arts

We are off-planet".

The New York Times

Displays are off-kilter.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are off" to describe a schedule or plan, ensure clarity by specifying what is being canceled or postponed. For example, "The meetings are off until further notice."

Common error

Avoid using "are off" in situations where the meaning could be unclear. For instance, instead of saying "Things are off", specify what "things" refers to, such as "The negotiations are off" or "The scheduled events are off".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are off" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates that something is not functioning, canceled, or no longer in its usual state. Examples include "The lights are off" and "All bets are off".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are off" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something is not functioning, has been canceled, or is not in its usual state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. Its usage spans various contexts, from describing non-operational devices to canceled events. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, indicating its relevance in everyday communication. While generally neutral in tone, clarity is key to avoiding ambiguity. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "are off" to convey precise meanings in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not functioning

Directly states that something is not working or operating as intended.

are non-operational

A more formal way of saying that something is not working.

are not running

Indicates that a process, machine, or service is not currently active.

are out of order

Indicates a temporary state of being non-operational, often due to a malfunction.

have been cancelled

Indicates that something has been terminated or stopped, emphasizing the action of cancellation.

are not available

Implies that something cannot be accessed or obtained at the moment.

have been suspended

Suggests a temporary interruption or cessation of something.

are not in service

Commonly used for public services or utilities that are temporarily unavailable.

have been discontinued

Suggests that something is no longer available or being produced.

are no longer in operation

Formally states that something has ceased to be active or running.

FAQs

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

You can use "are off" to indicate that something is not functioning, canceled, or no longer happening. Examples include: "The lights "are off"," "The meeting "is off"," or "All bets "are off"."

What are some alternatives to saying "are off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are canceled", "are not working", or "are unavailable" instead of "are off".

Is it correct to say "the lights are off"?

Yes, "the lights are off" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that the lights are not turned on.

What's the difference between "are off" and "are turned off"?

"Are off" is a more concise way of saying "are turned off". Both phrases mean that something has been switched or shut down, but "are off" is often preferred for its simplicity.