he took off

USAGE SUMMARY

"he took off" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it is most commonly used to describe someone physically leaving or departing from a location. Example: "After saying goodbye to his family, John took off for the airport to catch his flight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"He took off running".

The New York Times

He took off the robe.

The New York Times - Books

He took off his shoes.

The New Yorker

He took off his glasses.

The New Yorker

Then, wordlessly, he took off.

The New Yorker

"Then he took off.

The New York Times - Tech

"So he took off".

The New York Times

He took off his.

The Guardian

He took off before officers arrived.

The New York Times

He took off his shoes, his jeans.

The New Yorker

After O-levels, though, he took off.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he took off" to mean someone left quickly, ensure the context clarifies whether it was a planned or sudden departure to avoid ambiguity. For example, "After the meeting, he took off to catch his train" implies a planned departure, while "When the alarm sounded, he took off running" implies sudden escape.

Common error

Avoid using "he took off" literally when you mean to say someone removed an item of clothing. For the latter, specify the item, such as "he took off his coat".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he took off" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a quick or sudden departure. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is used to describe someone leaving a location or situation rapidly. It can also mean removing an article of clothing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he took off" is a versatile idiom mainly used to describe a quick departure or, less frequently, the removal of an item of clothing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its specific meaning can depend on the context. When someone ""he took off"", they generally left quickly, making it crucial to provide enough context to avoid any misunderstanding on whether it was a planned or sudden departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he departed quickly

Focuses on the act of leaving rapidly, emphasizing speed.

he hastened away

Highlights the urgency and speed of departure.

he bolted

Implies a sudden and often unexpected departure, suggesting fear or urgency.

he absconded

Suggests a secretive and often illegal departure, usually to avoid consequences.

he skipped town

An informal way of saying someone left a place, often to avoid trouble.

he made a swift exit

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of leaving a place.

he vanished

Implies a sudden and mysterious disappearance.

he cleared off

Informal way to express leaving a place, often implying annoyance or a wish to avoid something.

he sped away

Focuses specifically on leaving in a vehicle and emphasizes the high speed.

he left in a hurry

Simple and direct way of saying someone departed quickly due to time constraints or urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "he took off" in a sentence?

Use "he took off" to describe someone quickly leaving a place or situation. For example: "As soon as the bell rang, "he took off" for home".

What are some alternative phrases for "he took off"?

You can use alternatives like "he departed quickly", "he hastened away", or "he bolted depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he took off his shoes" instead of just "he took off"?

Yes, when "he took off" is followed by an object such as 'shoes', 'coat', or 'hat', it means he removed that particular item. Without an object, it usually means he left quickly.

What's the difference between "he took off" and "he ran away"?

"He took off" generally implies a quick departure, while "he ran away" suggests an escape, often from a difficult or dangerous situation. The former can be more neutral, while the latter often carries a connotation of fear or avoidance.