bolted off

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "bolted off" is not considered correct in written English.
It would be more appropriate to use "bolted away" or "bolted out" instead. For example: He bolted out of the room when his name was called.

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He even bolted off the porch and bit a passer-by the other day.

The New York Times

Once he bolted off in the heavy dust of the 15th of 27 cobblestoned stretches, Cancellara was gone.

The New York Times - Sports

Our sheep heard me coming and bolted off in a burst of gray, away from the wire fence.

The New Yorker

He admitted that he was disappointed when Cancellara, another classics champion, bolted off with a little more than a kilometer left and could not be countered.

The New York Times - Sports

Suddenly, like a colt that has broken free of its reins, the boy bolted off, dashing ahead then turning and running back.

The New Yorker

"I remember James as this irresponsibly handsome young man, very tall and charismatic, who'd bolted off because he didn't feel it had gone well," Petrie tells me.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Roger" the officer would say and then bolt off to some other location.

The New York Times

Klöden, part of a five-man group far ahead near the finish, surprised his fellow riders by bolting off with more than a half mile to go.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not uncommon for a super-recognizer, out on the town with friends, to bolt off after spotting someone with an outstanding warrant.

The New Yorker

At one point, one of them picked up a red-hot train bolt off the fire, then started punching the other in the face with it.

Vice

I've tried it on the horse I ride, Holly, and it helps to keep her calmer and less inclined to try bolting off Hold the reins properly.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "bolted off", as it might be perceived as too informal in certain formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bolted off" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "departed quickly" or "left abruptly" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "bolted off" primarily functions as a descriptive verb, illustrating a sudden and rapid movement away from a location. This conveys a sense of urgency or surprise, painting a vivid picture of the subject's action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase may not be considered fully correct in writing, suggesting alternatives like "bolted away" or "bolted out."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "bolted off" describes a sudden and rapid departure, often triggered by surprise or fear. Ludwig AI suggests the usage is acceptable but not considered fully correct in writing, advising alternatives such as "bolted away" or "bolted out". It's most commonly found in news and media sources, with some use in informal contexts like wikis. While grammatically acceptable, consider your audience and purpose. In formal writing, alternatives like "departed quickly" or "left abruptly" may be more appropriate. Use "bolted off" when the intent is to vividly portray a quick and unexpected exit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took off

A more general term for starting to move, often quickly.

darted away

Highlights a quick and nimble movement.

dashed off

Suggests a hurried and energetic movement.

raced away

Emphasizes speed and competition in the departure.

shot away

Highlights a sudden and forceful movement.

sprinted away

Focuses on running at full speed.

hurried away

Implies a quick departure due to time constraints or urgency.

scampered off

Conveys a light and rapid movement, often used for small animals or children.

fled

Implies escaping from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.

escaped

Focuses on getting free from confinement or restraint.

FAQs

What does "bolted off" mean?

"Bolted off" means to suddenly and quickly run away, typically because of fear or surprise.

What can I say instead of "bolted off"?

You can use alternatives like "raced away", "darted away", or "took off" depending on the context.

Is "bolted off" formal or informal?

"Bolted off" is generally considered an informal expression. More formal alternatives would be "departed quickly" or "left abruptly".

Can "bolted off" be used to describe inanimate objects?

While primarily used for living beings, "bolted off" can be used figuratively to describe an object that moves suddenly and rapidly. For example, "The ball bolted off the table."