come off well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come off well" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when something (especially a presentation or performance) is concluded successfully or with positive results. For example: "The actor's performance in the play came off well, and he received a standing ovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He does not always come off well.

The New Yorker

Both coaches come off well in the retelling.

The New York Times - Sports

Pope Pius XII does not come off well here.

The New York Times - Arts

The Pollyannas rarely come off well against the piranhas.

The Guardian

As Andy Glockner writes on SI.com, it did not come off well by anyone's measure.

The New York Times

The pieties of revolutionary nationalism do not come off well in these plays.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Some of the tricks will come off well, and some will come off badly.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He came off well.

The New York Times

Nobody comes off well on this one.

The New York Times

"If you fight, everything comes off well".

The Guardian - Sport

But to be fair, neither character comes off well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come off well" when you want to express that something was successful or created a positive impression. For example, "The presentation came off well, and the team secured the deal."

Common error

Avoid using "come off well" when you mean to say something merely 'came off' (detached) or 'is well' (healthy). The phrase has a specific meaning related to positive outcomes or impressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come off well" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing how an action, event, or person is perceived or received. It indicates a positive outcome or impression, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come off well" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is successful or creates a positive impression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it’s crucial to consider the context and audience to ensure the appropriate level of formality. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "be well-received" or "prove successful". Be mindful to avoid confusion with phrases that sound similar but have different meanings. With these guidelines, you can confidently use "come off well" in your writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a good impression

Focuses on the positive perception created.

turn out successfully

Emphasizes the positive result or outcome.

be well-received

Highlights the positive reception from an audience or group.

go over well

Similar to "come off well" but more informal.

fare well

Implies a positive experience or outcome, often in a challenging situation.

do a good job

Focuses on the quality of the work or performance.

succeed

A general term for achieving a positive outcome.

be effective

Highlights the ability to produce the desired result.

resonate positively

Emphasizes a strong and favorable impact.

prove successful

Indicates that something has demonstrated its success over time.

FAQs

How can I use "come off well" in a sentence?

You can use "come off well" to describe a situation or performance that was successful or made a positive impression. For example, "The interview "came off well", and I expect to receive an offer soon."

What's a more formal alternative to "come off well"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "be well-received" or "turn out successfully". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is "come off well" appropriate for academic writing?

While "come off well" is generally acceptable, it might be more appropriate to use a more formal alternative in academic writing, such as "prove successful" or "be effective", depending on the context.

What does it mean when something "doesn't come off well"?

If something "doesn't come off well", it means it wasn't successful or didn't make a positive impression. For example, "His joke "did not go over well" with the audience."