goes off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "goes off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as when referring to an alarm sounding, a device activating, or someone becoming angry. Example: "The fire alarm goes off every time someone burns toast in the kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The power goes off.

The Economist

The alarm goes off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An alarm goes off.

The New York Times

The alarm clock goes off.

The New Yorker

Lester's alarm clock goes off.

The Guardian - Film

Alarm goes off, hit snooze.

The New York Times

The timer goes off.

The New York Times

It really goes off".

The Guardian - Music

"It goes off.

The New York Times

The light goes off.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Bomb goes off, hardly a word.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event, use "goes off" to indicate a sudden or unexpected occurrence, such as an alarm or explosion. This adds a sense of immediacy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "goes off" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term may be appropriate. Opt for terms like "is activated" or "is triggered" for increased formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goes off" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating an action or event that is occurring. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with common usage, as exemplified in phrases like "the alarm clock goes off" or "the bomb goes off".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "goes off" is a versatile verb phrase widely used to describe an event or action that occurs suddenly, such as an alarm sounding, a bomb exploding, or even someone losing interest. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. When writing with "goes off", aim to create a sense of immediacy while keeping register in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is triggered

Focuses on the activation aspect, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship.

is set off

Highlights the act of initiating something, often an explosion or alarm.

is activated

Similar to "is triggered", but emphasizes the state of being active.

sounds

Specifically relates to audible alerts or alarms.

explodes

Emphasizes a sudden burst or violent release of energy.

is discharged

Relates to the release of something, like a firearm or energy.

departs

Implies leaving a place or starting a journey.

loses interest in

Indicates a decline in enthusiasm or attraction.

turns sour

Describes a relationship or situation becoming unpleasant.

becomes angry

Focuses on the emotional response of becoming upset or enraged.

FAQs

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

You can use "goes off" to describe an alarm sounding, like "The alarm "goes off" every morning at 6 AM". It can also describe an explosion, as in "The bomb "goes off" with a loud bang".

What are some alternatives to "goes off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is triggered", "sounds", or "explodes". For example, instead of "The alarm goes off", you could say "The alarm is triggered".

Is it correct to say "went off" instead of "goes off"?

Yes, "went off" is the past tense of "goes off". You would use "went off" to describe something that happened in the past, such as "The fire alarm "went off" last night".

What does it mean when someone says they "go off" on someone?

In this context, "go off" means to suddenly become angry and start shouting at someone. For example, "He "went off" on his colleague after the mistake at work".