gauge off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gauge off" is not technically correct in written English.
However, the phrase "gauge something off" is correct and can be used when referring to the act of measuring something. For example, "We need to gauge the distance off before we start drilling."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When his fingers knocked one gauge off kilter, tiny motors whirred and the device snapped back to position, as though annoyed with him.

The New York Times - Science

This dude at Russia2All covers the Buran Stingray, a diver that looks like someone stole the depth gauge off of a Victorian-era submersible.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The other key gauges were off slightly as well after rallying briefly on hopes that the presidential election would be decided soon.

The New York Times

Set the computerized launch control, which shows a starting flag in the gauges, step off the brake and the X6 M wrenches to 60 miles per hour in just over 4 seconds.

The New York Times

Gas pumps are bearers of bad news, their gauges clicking off ever-rising numbers.

Huffington Post

one Mossberg 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun..

The New York Times

Both gunmen were arrested, and officers seized the illegal 12-gauge sawed-off shotguns.

The New York Times

In the introduction to this paper we made the claim that the OceanRAIN ODM470 disdrometer was able to mitigate the significant issues commonly encountered using rain gauges or off-the-shelf disdrometers not specifically designed for shipboard operation.

Nature

One chilly night in March 1990, Jason Nicholas, then 19, stood on a desolate street in Mount Vernon, just north of the Bronx, and fired a 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun at Paul Delano, a young man with whom he said he had had a simmering feud.

The New York Times

As Officer Joel Goldberg, 39 years old, was about to enter the apartment, at 672 Jamaica Avenue in the East New York section, a man opened the door and fired once with a 20-gauge sawed-off shotgun, said a police spokesman, Lieut.

The New York Times

Company technicians were alerted, the gauge was turned off and the plane was cleared for takeoff.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of your audience. If unsure, avoid using "gauge off" and opt for clearer, more common alternatives like "measure" or "assess".

Common error

A common error is using "gauge off" without specifying what is being measured. To avoid this, clarify the object of measurement; for instance, use "gauge the distance off" instead of just "gauge off".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gauge off" primarily functions as a verb phrase, though its grammatical correctness is questionable. Ludwig AI indicates that it is not technically correct in written English, unless used as "gauge something off". Examples show it being used to describe measurement, but clarity is paramount.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gauge off" presents grammatical challenges, as pointed out by Ludwig. While it appears in some contexts, particularly in news and scientific sources, it's not considered technically correct unless used as "gauge something off". Ludwig AI advises that it's crucial to specify what is being measured or assessed to avoid ambiguity. For clearer communication, consider more precise alternatives like "measure", "assess", or "evaluate". Therefore, careful consideration and potential rephrasing are recommended when using "gauge off" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Measure something

This alternative replaces "gauge" with the more common verb "measure" providing a direct synonym with a precise intent.

Estimate the level

This alternative uses "estimate" to indicate an approximate calculation rather than a precise measurement.

Assess the value

This phrase replaces "gauge" with "assess", focusing on the evaluation aspect rather than the measurement itself.

Calculate roughly

This phrase highlights a general idea of calculating or measuring without precision or an exact calculation.

Evaluate the impact

This alternative emphasizes the evaluation of effects rather than a physical measurement.

Determine the extent

Using "determine" focuses on finding out the scope or degree of something, substituting "gauge" with a more formal term.

Figure out approximately

This option focuses on approximate determination, suitable in contexts where exactness is not required.

Get a sense of

Using "get a sense of" emphasizes a subjective assessment or intuitive understanding.

Ascertain roughly

Using "ascertain roughly" implies finding something out in an imprecise manner, differing from a precise measurement.

Judge tentatively

This alternative stresses a preliminary or provisional judgment, conveying less precision than "gauge".

FAQs

How can I use the term "gauge" correctly in a sentence?

Use "gauge" to mean to estimate or determine the amount, level, or volume of something. For example, "We need to "gauge the situation" before proceeding".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gauge off"?

Instead of "gauge off", you could use alternatives like "measure something", "assess the value", or "evaluate the impact" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "gauge off" in formal writing?

The phrase "gauge off" is not generally considered grammatically correct in formal writing. It's better to use more precise alternatives such as "gauge the distance" or "assess the situation".

What does it mean to "gauge" something?

To "gauge" something means to measure or estimate it, often in a way that involves judgment or intuition. For example, "You can "gauge the interest" in a product by looking at initial sales figures".