came off

USAGE SUMMARY

"came off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been taken off, separated from, or released from something else. For example: "The top shelf came off the wall when I tried to pull it down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our masks came off.

The New York Times

The shirt came off.

Independent

The sunglasses came off.

The New Yorker

(It eventually came off).

The New Yorker

"And it came off".

The New York Times - Arts

Came off as insensitive?

The New York Times

Who came off worst?

The Guardian

Then the suit came off.

The New Yorker

Belanger came off the ice.

The New York Times - Sports

He came off real kind.

The New Yorker

"And 100 pounds came off".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "came off" in the context of events or plans, ensure clarity by specifying what 'came off' successfully or unsuccessfully (e.g., "The negotiation came off successfully").

Common error

Avoid using "came off" in highly formal writing when describing the success of a project or event. More formal alternatives like "succeeded", "was successful", or "was achieved" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It is used to describe physical detachment, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "The shirt came off", or to indicate the success or outcome of an event or plan, such as "The actual launch came off flawlessly".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "came off" is a common and versatile phrasal verb used to describe both physical detachment and the outcome of events. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "came off", clarity is key: specify what detached or succeeded to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "succeeded" or "was achieved" in highly formal writing. Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples showcasing the phrase's diverse applications, reinforcing its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fell off

Implies a downward movement during the separation, suggesting gravity played a role.

became dislodged

Highlights the process by which something becomes loosened and separated, often implying a forced or accidental removal.

detached

Emphasizes the physical separation of something from something else, focusing on the act of becoming unattached.

broke loose

Implies a forceful or sudden separation, often from restraints or confinement.

separated

Focuses on the act of becoming divided or disconnected, without necessarily implying a prior attachment.

pulled away

Emphasizes the effort or force used to cause the separation, suggesting a more active removal.

was removed

Highlights an external agent causing the separation, suggesting a deliberate action.

resulted

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of an action or situation.

concluded

Refers to bringing something to an end or finishing a process or event.

transpired

Indicates that an event or situation has occurred or unfolded, often in a gradual or unexpected way.

FAQs

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

You can use "came off" to describe something that detached physically, like "The button "fell off" my shirt". It can also mean something was successful, such as "The surprise party "went well" and everyone enjoyed it".

What are some synonyms for "came off" when describing success?

When "came off" means something succeeded, you can use alternatives such as "succeeded", "was successful", or "proved fruitful".

Is it correct to use "came off" to describe a person's impression?

Yes, "came off" can describe the impression someone gives. For example, "He "seemed" confident during the presentation". In this context, "came off" means to give a particular impression.

What's the difference between "came off" and "fell off"?

"Came off" is a more general term for detachment. "Fell off" specifically implies a downward movement or detachment due to gravity. For example, a picture might come off the wall, but a hat typically falls off your head.