driver took off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driver took off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a driver leaves quickly or suddenly, often without warning. Example: "As soon as the light turned green, the driver took off, leaving the other cars behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The driver took off.

The Washington Post

As Jenson Button, the McLaren Mercedes driver, took off from the pole with a lead he would not relinquish all day, Romain Grosjean of Lotus cut in abruptly on Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Mercedes, forcing contact before the turn.

The New York Times

What's more, the buses that she rode around town never came on time, but it was because they had to fill with people before the driver took off.

BBC

The driver took off, leading deputies on a brief pursuit before the car stopped abruptly, Jose de la Trinidad got out and the car sped off again.

Los Angeles Times

He was between the open driver's side door and the door frame, holding the wheel, when the driver took off, dragging the officer along.

Los Angeles Times

When officers approached the car, saw an open alcoholic beverage inside and asked him to step out, the driver took off in the vehicle, leading officers on a high-speed chase.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

After a few laps behind the pace car, the drivers took off, bunched in the straightaway, gunning for position as they slid up the embankments on turns, generating ever more dust.

The New York Times - Arts

The strangers pile in, the drivers take off, and the cars move forward on line, like cabs at an airport.

The New York Times

A26 New Rules for Truckers The federal government issued new rules for truck drivers that will permit them to drive more hours in one stretch, but will require drivers take off more time between shifts.

The New York Times

The federal government issued new rules for truck drivers yesterday to permit them to drive more hours in one stretch but require that drivers take off more time between shifts.

The New York Times

The rule would ensure that drivers take off at least two nights a week and drive no more than 70 hours.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "driver took off" when you want to emphasize the sudden or unexpected nature of a driver's departure, often in situations involving pursuit or evasion. For example, "When the police approached, the driver took off at high speed."

Common error

Avoid using "driver took off" to describe a departure from a non-vehicle setting. The phrase implies the operation of a vehicle, so use alternative phrases like "left quickly" or "departed abruptly" when referring to people leaving on foot.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driver took off" functions as a verb phrase, where "took off" acts as a phrasal verb. It typically describes the action of a driver leaving a place quickly, often suddenly. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "driver took off" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English that describes the rapid departure of a driver in a vehicle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, often referring to scenarios involving chases or quick escapes. While versatile, it's best used when emphasizing the suddenness or urgency of the departure. Consider alternatives like "sped away" or "accelerated rapidly" for nuanced meanings. Although the phrase follows standard grammar rules, users should be aware of using it only within the right context which is when a driver is involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

driver sped away

Focuses on the speed of the departure.

driver accelerated rapidly

Emphasizes the act of accelerating.

driver made a quick getaway

Highlights the escape aspect.

driver departed swiftly

Stresses the promptness of the departure.

driver hastily left

Indicates a rushed departure.

driver bolted

Suggests a sudden and abrupt movement.

driver dashed off

Implies a hurried departure.

driver peeled out

Focuses on the tire marks left behind.

driver ran off

Highlights the action of running while driving.

driver cleared out

Conveys a sense of urgency to leave quickly.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says a "driver took off"?

It means the driver departed quickly, often suddenly or unexpectedly, typically in a vehicle. It can imply urgency or an attempt to evade something or someone.

What can I say instead of "driver took off"?

You can use alternatives like "driver sped away", "driver accelerated rapidly", or "driver made a quick getaway" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "driver took off"?

Yes, "driver took off" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe a driver leaving quickly.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "driver took off"?

It's appropriate when you want to describe a driver's rapid departure, often in situations where they are trying to escape or avoid something. For other situations where it is just simply leaving, other alternatives are "driver left" or "driver departed".