be off

USAGE SUMMARY

"be off" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used as an imperative phrase to indicate that someone should leave or depart, although it can also be used in other contexts. For example: "Time to be off, children. It's getting late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'll be off soon.

The New Yorker

"The timing can be off.

The New York Times - Sports

We'll be off imminently.

The Guardian - Sport

I'll be off, then.

The Guardian - Sport

She'll be off momentarily.

The Guardian - Sport

Best be off now.

The Guardian - Books

I must be off.

The New York Times

Let's be off".

The New Yorker

Outdoor lighting must be off at sundown.

The New York Times

Then, too, all bets would be off.

The New York Times

Be off with you, he said dismissively.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be off" to indicate departure, ensure the context makes it clear whether you're referring to your own departure or someone else's. For example, "I'll be off now" clearly indicates your own departure.

Common error

Avoid using "be off" when a more formal term is required, such as in official correspondence or academic papers. Opt for "depart" or "leave" in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be off" is as an idiomatic phrase used as an imperative or declarative statement indicating departure or a state of being inoperative. Ludwig confirms that it is a commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be off" is a versatile idiomatic phrase that commonly indicates departure or a non-operational state. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but it's essential to consider the level of formality required for different writing scenarios. While "be off" is acceptable in informal and neutral settings, more formal alternatives like "depart" or "leave" may be more appropriate for professional or academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be going

A simple and direct way of stating an intention to leave.

be leaving

Emphasizes the act of departing from a place.

be on one's way

Formally indicates that someone has already started their journey.

take off

Implies a quick or sudden departure, often used for flights or journeys.

set off

Suggests beginning a journey or venture.

depart

A more formal and direct synonym for leaving or going away.

head out

A casual way of saying you are leaving a place.

make a move

Indicates preparing to leave or start an action.

be on the road

Suggests traveling or journeying, often by car.

be outbound

Formally indicates departure or movement away from a location.

FAQs

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

You can use "be off" to indicate departure or that something is not functioning. For example, "I must "be off" now" or "The lights "are off"".

What does "be off" mean?

"Be off" can mean to leave or depart. It can also mean that something is not working or is cancelled.

What can I say instead of "be off"?

You can use alternatives like "depart", "leave", or "take off" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be off" or "being off"?

Both can be correct but have different meanings. "Be off" means to leave or for something to not function. "Being off" is a continuous form, for example, "He is being off with me" (meaning distant or unfriendly).