be carried off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be carried off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something being taken away, often in a dramatic or forceful manner. Example: "The strong winds caused the loose debris to be carried off into the distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

On the third time, the flag and flag-bearer would be carried off by an invisible being, never to be seen again.

Wikipedia

It was great to be carried off.

The New York Times

He would prefer to be carried off the field.

The New York Times - Sports

You know Don Shula deserves to be carried off this field, Dan Marino does, Zach Thomas deserved to be carried off this field.

The New York Times

The air drop itself appeared to be carried off with great precision.

The New York Times

He had to be carried off the court by three people.

The New York Times - Sports

She is not moving and she has to be carried off in an air stretcher.

The Guardian - Sport

Casper had to be carried off in a neck brace but was expected to start Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

"Do you think more players will be carried off the field?" she asked, cheerfully.

The New York Times - Sports

But she had to be carried off the court and into the locker room by teammates.

The New York Times - Sports

He refused to sheathe his sword or to be carried off the field.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be carried off" when you want to emphasize a dramatic or forceful removal, whether literal or figurative. It adds a sense of being taken away unexpectedly or uncontrollably.

Common error

Avoid using "be carried off" in situations that require a more neutral or formal tone. Opt for alternatives like "be taken away" or "be transported" when a dramatic or forceful connotation is unsuitable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be carried off" is a passive verb phrase. It describes an action being done to the subject, rather than the subject performing the action. Ludwig examples show it used across various contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be carried off" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe a forceful or dramatic removal or transportation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, highlighting its use in reporting events with a sense of drama or unexpectedness. While alternatives like ""be taken away"" or ""be transported"" exist, "be carried off" carries a unique connotation of being overwhelmed or lacking control in the situation. Understanding its nuanced usage can enhance your writing and allow for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be taken away

Focuses on the act of being removed or transported, similar to "be carried off" but less dramatic.

be carted off

Similar to "be carried off" but emphasizes transport via a cart or wheeled vehicle.

be swept away

Implies a sudden and forceful removal, often by a natural force or emotion, similar to a figurative use of "be carried off".

be transported

Emphasizes the physical act of being moved from one place to another, more neutral than "be carried off".

be conveyed

Focuses on the act of being transported or communicated, more neutral and formal than "be carried off".

be abducted

Indicates being taken away against one's will, usually by force or deception, a more specific and negative connotation than "be carried off".

be spirited away

Suggests a mysterious or magical removal, often associated with folklore or fantasy, conveying a sense of enchantment not present in "be carried off".

be hauled off

Implies being pulled or dragged away, often against one's will or with some difficulty, adding a sense of resistance not always present in "be carried off".

be deported

Refers specifically to the expulsion of a person from a country, a legal and official context not covered by "be carried off".

be swept off one's feet

Figuratively means to be overwhelmed by positive emotion, usually romantic, a vastly different meaning from the literal sense of "be carried off".

FAQs

How is "be carried off" generally used in a sentence?

The phrase "be carried off" is typically used in sentences describing someone or something being removed or transported in a dramatic or forceful way. For example, "He had to "be carried off" the field due to an injury."

What are some alternative phrases for "be carried off"?

Some alternative phrases include "be taken away", "be swept away", or "be transported". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to use "be carried off" literally or figuratively?

The phrase "be carried off" can be used both literally, to describe physical removal, and figuratively, to describe being overwhelmed by something such as emotion or success. The literal usage is more common in describing events like injuries, while the figurative usage is less so.

What's the difference between "be carried off" and ""be taken away""?

While both phrases describe removal, "be carried off" often implies a more dramatic or forceful removal than ""be taken away"". "Be taken away" is a more neutral and general term.