is offset from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is offset from" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate a difference or distinction between two related items. For example, "The time in this time zone is offset from the time in the other time zone by two hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

To reduce friction, the crankshaft is offset from the cylinder centerline by eight degrees, and to reduce engine noise, the timing belt is immersed in oil.

The New York Times

And because the building's core, containing the elevators, stairs, rest rooms and mechanical functions, is offset from the west wall, the office space can be laid out so that almost everyone is within sight of a window.

The New York Times

The primary reason for making a monoprint is that, when the image is offset from the plate to the paper, the print achieves a separate quality and luminosity totally unlike a painting made directly on paper.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But offset printing - in which the inked image is "offset" from a plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the paper - is still commonly used outside the United States to produce convincing fakes in greater volume.

Independent

The viewfinder is offset from the lens by a couple of inches, so you wind up with parallax problems; that is, the framing you see in the eyepiece is not what the lens will capture.

The New York Times - Tech

A radial distance δ is determined from which the front face of the probe is offset from the desired sample location.

Combustion and Flame

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Its slender towers rise straight up without setbacks and are offset from one another in both directions.

The New York Times - Arts

Brandis declined to reveal where the money was coming from, but said it would be "offset from somewhere within the government".

The Guardian

Made by hand, these track layouts are cut from Baltic birch ply and are offset from their backing, appearing to hover above an etched background within a hardwood frame.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The risk is mostly theoretical because the waived fee amounts are offset from priority allocations from the fund in any accounting period, even if the fund loses money overall.

The New York Times

The microscopes of each row of the array are offset from the microscopes in other rows.

Human Pathology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships, use "is offset from" to clearly indicate that one object or point is not directly aligned with another. This is especially useful in technical writing and scientific reports.

Common error

Avoid using "is offset from" when you simply mean something is different. The phrase specifically implies a spatial or temporal displacement, not just any kind of difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is offset from" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a displacement or deviation from a particular point, location, or time. As shown in Ludwig, it establishes a spatial or temporal relationship between two elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is offset from" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a displacement or deviation from a specific point, location, or time. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is commonly found in scientific, technical, and news-related contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. Be mindful of the specific context to ensure that the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning of spatial or temporal displacement. Alternatives include "is displaced from" and "is shifted from", but be sure to select the option that best fits the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is shifted from

Highlights an alteration in alignment or timeline.

is displaced from

Focuses on a shift in position, often implying a forced movement.

is removed from

Indicates a state of being taken away or separated.

is distanced from

Implies a separation, either physical or metaphorical.

is apart from

Indicates the state of being separate.

is deviated from

Suggests a departure from a standard or expected path.

differs from

States that things are unlike each other.

is divergent from

Highlights the act of branching off or differing in opinion.

varies from

Implies different characteristics compared with others.

is distinguished from

Emphasizes the unique aspects setting something apart.

FAQs

How is "is offset from" used in technical writing?

In technical contexts, "is offset from" precisely indicates that one element is displaced or not aligned with another, such as in engineering diagrams or scientific models. This is frequently seen in sectors like machining, physics and construction.

What does it mean when something "is offset from" a standard?

When a value or measurement "is offset from" a standard, it means there's a consistent deviation or difference. This could indicate a calibration error or a deliberate adjustment in a process. You can use alternatives like "deviates from" or "differs from".

Can I use "is offset from" to describe a figurative difference?

While primarily used for spatial or temporal displacement, "is offset from" can be extended to describe conceptual differences where one idea is systematically shifted or skewed relative to another. However, ensure the context clearly supports this usage.

What are some alternatives to "is offset from"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is displaced from", "is shifted from", or "is removed from" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.