have gone off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have gone off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has stopped functioning, has been turned off, or has left a place, often in a sudden or unexpected manner. Example: "The alarm has gone off, signaling that it's time to wake up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A few bombs have gone off.

The Economist

Now we have gone off the rails.

The Economist

"Would alarms have gone off?" he wondered.

The New Yorker

The bomb was believed to have gone off accidentally.

The Economist

A bit of the sheen would have gone off it".

Independent

"They have gone off course," he said of the developers.

The New York Times

But suddenly, Taiwan seems to have gone off the rails.

The New York Times

I might have gone off the rails completely.

The Guardian - Books

Already a # of bombs have gone off & thousands of demonstrations..

The New York Times

"The lights should have gone off with somebody".

The New York Times

But you could have gone off and conquered the world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have gone off" to describe an alarm, be specific about what triggered it. For instance, instead of saying "The alarm has gone off", specify "The smoke alarm has gone off because of burnt toast."

Common error

While "have gone off" is common, it can sound informal in academic or business writing. Consider using more precise alternatives like "malfunctioned", "activated", or "departed" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have gone off" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the completion of an action in the present perfect tense. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, such as describing alarms, explosives, or a decline in condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have gone off" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase widely used to describe various situations, from alarms activating to food expiring. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is considered correct, and its prevalence in News & Media reflects its common and accepted status. While suitable for most contexts, more formal writing might benefit from using more precise alternatives depending on the intended meaning. Remember to consider context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have departed

Focuses on the act of leaving a place or state.

have stopped working

Specifically indicates a cessation of functionality.

have been triggered

Implies activation or initiation, often unexpectedly.

have been discharged

Suggests a release or emission, like a weapon.

have lost interest

Indicates a decline or disappearance of enthusiasm.

have gone astray

Implies a deviation from the correct path or behavior.

have become stale

Indicates a decline in freshness or appeal.

have lost their appeal

Focuses on the fading of attractiveness or desirability.

have deteriorated

Highlights a decline in quality or condition.

have become outdated

Suggests that something is no longer current or relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "have gone off" in a sentence?

You can use "have gone off" to describe an alarm activating, food spoiling, someone leaving abruptly, or a decline in quality. For example: "The alarm clock "has gone off"", "The milk "has gone off"", or "He "has gone off" to start a new job".

What's a more formal alternative to "have gone off"?

Depending on the context, you can use more formal alternatives such as "has activated" (for alarms), "has expired" (for food), or "has departed" (for people).

What does it mean when someone says something "has gone off the rails"?

When something "has gone off the rails", it means it has deviated from its intended course, gone out of control, or started to fail. It suggests a significant problem or crisis.

Is "have gone off" the same as "have went off"?

No, "have gone off" is the correct form. "Went" is the simple past tense of "go", while "gone" is the past participle, which is used with the auxiliary verb "have" to form the present perfect tense.