is off duty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is off duty" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that someone is not currently working or is not available for their professional responsibilities. Example: The officer is off duty and cannot respond to calls right now. Alternative expressions include "is not on duty" and "is unavailable for work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

When one is off duty, the rules are different.

The Guardian - Music

When there's no client, the Duration is off duty and can go home.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A friend watching him comes down, and when policeman is off duty go for a glass of beer to Paddy's.

The New Yorker

Six men have been arrested over the attack including Braszczok, who as an officer is obliged to report an incident even he is off duty.

Independent

When she is off duty from her research and teaching, she concentrates on nature photography, shooting at the macro and landscape levels.

The New York Times - Science

When the technician is off duty, the exhibit is on standby, with everything turned off, a state Mr. Gréaud compares to a slumped marionette.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Catherine was off duty.

The New Yorker

— Now I'm off duty.

The New Yorker

I was off duty.

The New York Times - Sports

Both were off duty.

The New York Times

Rayyan was off duty.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "is off duty" to distinguish between on-the-clock responsibilities and personal time.

Common error

Avoid using "is off duty" as an excuse for neglecting responsibilities that may extend beyond regular working hours, especially in roles where certain duties may still apply even when not formally on the clock. Clarify expectations to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is off duty" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a subject (person or entity) to indicate they are not currently performing their regular duties or responsibilities. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage, providing various examples across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is off duty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates someone is not currently working or performing their regular job functions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase serves to inform about someone's work status, availability, and obligations. It is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, mainly appearing in news and media. For alternative expressions, you can use phrases like ""is not on duty"" or ""is not working"". It's important to be mindful of the context to use it correctly and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not on duty

Highlights the absence of a current work shift or obligation.

has the day off

Implies a full day of absence from work responsibilities.

is not working

Focuses on the state of not being currently employed or engaged in work.

is free from duty

Emphasizes the liberation from obligations or responsibilities.

is not scheduled

Indicates that someone is not assigned to work during a specific time.

is on leave

Specifies a formal absence from work, typically for a longer duration.

is on vacation

Indicates absence from work for recreational or personal travel.

is taking a break

Suggests a temporary pause from work or activity.

is not available

Emphasizes the lack of accessibility or readiness to perform a task.

is resting

Highlights a period of inactivity for recuperation or relaxation.

FAQs

How can I use "is off duty" in a sentence?

You can use "is off duty" to indicate that someone is not currently working or performing their regular job functions. For example: "The officer "is off duty" and cannot respond to calls right now."

What's a good alternative to "is off duty"?

Alternatives include "is not on duty", "is not working", or "has the day off" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to say "is off duty" in a formal setting?

Yes, "is off duty" is appropriate in formal settings, particularly when discussing work schedules or responsibilities. It's a clear and professional way to indicate someone's status.

Can "is off duty" be used for things other than jobs?

While typically used in the context of jobs or official roles, "is off duty" can be applied to any situation where someone is temporarily relieved of a particular responsibility. For example, a parent might say their 'vigilance is off duty' when the children are safely asleep.