bound off

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence.
The phrase 'bound off' is not typically used in standard written English. Generally, 'bound' is used to mean fastened or confined, so 'bound off' would not make sense in the context of a sentence.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Even before students bound off that rollicking school bus, Shanita Highland, the dean of students, bounds on.

The New York Times

Sew in ends, leaving ends from cast on and cast (bound) off rows for sewing up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was waiting patiently for the creature to bound off into the wilderness when the door bell rang.

The New Yorker

Sewing in ends Sew in ends, leaving ends from cast on rows and cast (bound) off rows for sewing up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And the ball tends to bound off the rim and into the right hands for the Clippers over and over.

Los Angeles Times

As the girls bound off for a photo and their collective energy leaves the room, Ergüven pauses to watch them go.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

After you bind off all your stitches, you will probably want to weave in your ends with a yarn or tapestry needle.

WikiHow

The Seleka kept up their atrocities: burning people alive, killing hospital patients, throwing bound prisoners off bridges to drown.

The New Yorker

Cast (bind) off, break yarn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cast (bind) off, break off yarn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Row 67: Cast (bind) off 7 sts, p to end.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement, ensure that "bound" is followed by a preposition that accurately reflects the direction or separation intended. Consider if a more precise verb like "jumped", "leaped", or "darted" could enhance clarity.

Common error

A frequent mistake is using "bound off" when simply meaning to 'depart' or 'leave'. "Bound" often implies a physical leap or restriction, so be cautious of its implications. Overusing it could muddle your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bound off" functions as a phrasal verb, although its usage is not always grammatically sound. It typically describes a movement involving a leap or bounce away from something. Ludwig AI, however, indicates that the phrase is not standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bound off" is used to describe a leaping or bouncing movement away from something, as demonstrated by examples in news, wiki, and scientific sources. While fairly common, Ludwig AI identifies that the usage is often grammatically incorrect or non-standard, and suggests caution in using the phrase in formal contexts. When describing movement it's a more accurate option to specify direction or separation intended and check that "bound" is followed by the accurate proposition. Depending on what you want to communicate and depending on the context there is an alternative. The source authority is generally high, with sources like The New York Times and The Guardian using the phrase, though usage varies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bounded away

Replaces "off" with "away", maintaining the leaping motion but changing direction.

jumped away

Focuses on the action of jumping, emphasizing a quick departure.

leaped away

Highlights a longer, more energetic jump than "jumped away".

darted off

Implies a sudden and quick movement away from a place.

sprang away

Suggests a sudden, resilient movement like a spring.

dashed away

Indicates a swift and energetic movement away.

rushed off

Suggests a quick, perhaps disorganized, departure.

cast off

Focuses on releasing something, commonly used in knitting or sailing, implying a disconnection.

hurried away

Emphasizes speed and urgency in moving away, without the jumping motion.

set off

Implies starting a journey or activity, losing the sense of bouncing or leaping.

FAQs

How can "bound off" be used correctly in a sentence?

While "bound off" isn't always standard, it can describe a bouncing or leaping movement away. For instance, "The ball tended to "bound off" the rim". However, ensure clarity; alternatives like "leaped away" or "jumped away" might be more precise.

What are some alternatives to "bound off" that might be clearer?

Depending on the context, consider "darted off" (for quick movements), "set off" (for starting a journey), or "cast off" (for releasing something, especially in knitting). The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

Is "bound off" grammatically correct, and why does Ludwig say it is "incorrect"?

Ludwig identifies "bound off" as "incorrect" due to its infrequent and often non-standard usage. While it sometimes appears in writing, it often replaces more conventional verbs for movement or separation. This can create ambiguity or sound awkward to native English speakers.

When is it appropriate to use "bound off" instead of another phrase?

Use "bound off" when you want to specifically describe a movement that involves a leap or bounce away from something. In knitting, the correct phrase is '"bind off"' not 'bound off'. In other contexts, it is probably more suitable to use terms like '"jumped away"' or '"hurried away"'.