carried off

USAGE SUMMARY

"carried off" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an object or person being taken away quickly and forcefully. For example: The thief carried off the painting before anyone noticed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Andrea was carried off.

The New Yorker

He's carried off.

The Guardian - Sport

He was carried off on a stretcher.

The New York Times - Sports

Miss Chadleigh fainted, and was carried off.

The Economist

The offense carried off Coach Mike Ditka.

The New York Times - Sports

It was great to be carried off.

The New York Times

He was carried off the field.

The New York Times

Manning carried off as prisoner; later exonerated.

The New Yorker

"That poor sight being carried off the field".

The New York Times - Sports

It is a self-conscious conceit, but carried off elegantly.

The Guardian - Film

Jews were murdered and thousands carried off to camps.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone being physically removed due to injury or incapacitation, "carried off" is a suitable and respectful term.

Common error

Avoid using "carried off" when you mean to say "carry out", which means to implement or perform a task. "Carried off" refers to physical removal or successful execution, not task implementation.

Linguistic Context

Carried off primarily functions as a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in written English. It describes the action of physically removing someone or something, sometimes implying force or haste. Alternatively, it can mean to execute something successfully.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Carried off is a versatile phrasal verb with two primary meanings: physical removal and successful execution. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. The analysis shows it is most frequently used in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. While often used to describe physical removal, it can also denote accomplishment. Related phrases offer alternatives depending on the desired nuance. Writers should avoid confusing it with "carry out", which has a different meaning. "Carried off" is a common and useful phrase when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snatched away

Highlights the sudden and forceful removal of something or someone.

whisked away

Suggests a quick and often secretive removal.

carried away

Emphasizes being emotionally overwhelmed or transported by an experience, rather than physically moved or taken.

carted off

Implies removal using a cart or similar vehicle.

hauled off

Suggests a laborious or difficult removal.

spirited away

Implies a mysterious or supernatural removal.

seized

Focuses on the act of taking control or possession forcefully.

abducted

Specifically refers to taking someone against their will, often illegally.

executed

Implies the successful completion of something, often with skill or precision.

carried out

Focuses on the completion of a task or plan rather than physical removal.

FAQs

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

You can use "carried off" to describe someone being physically removed from a place, often due to injury or illness. For example: "The injured player was "carried off" the field on a stretcher."

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

"Carried off" typically refers to physical removal or successful execution, whereas "carried away" means to be emotionally overwhelmed or excessively enthusiastic.

What can I say instead of "carried off" when referring to a successful performance?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "executed", "accomplished", or "pulled off".

Is it appropriate to use "carried off" to describe someone being taken prisoner?

Yes, "carried off" can be used to describe someone being taken prisoner, especially if it involves a forceful or sudden removal. For example: "They "carried off" several hostages during the raid."