it is off

USAGE SUMMARY

It is an acceptable phrase in written English and it can be used to express that something is not functioning or is not available.
Example: The power is out in my office, it is off.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is off the grid, its landscaping designed to minimize environmental disruption.

The New York Times - Science

"It is off the spine.

The New York Times

It is off limits".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Next, it is off to science.

The New York Times

It is off to a rough start.

The New York Times

But it is off the danger list.

The Economist

He knows it is "off the charts".

The New York Times - Sports

After that it is off she goes.

The Guardian - Sport

So now it is off the air.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Don't blast her with music when she arrives-it is off putting.

WikiHow

It is off-limits to the press.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In conversations, you can use "it is off" to convey that a particular topic is no longer under consideration, for example, "That idea is off the table".

Common error

Avoid using "it is off" when you mean something is slightly incorrect or not quite right. "It is off" typically signifies a complete cessation of function, not a minor deviation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is off" functions as a predicative expression, indicating a state of being inactive or non-operational. Ludwig highlights its usage in describing devices, plans, or topics that are no longer active, functioning, or under consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is off" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something is not active, functioning, or under consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used across diverse contexts, including news, technical writing, and general conversation. While primarily neutral in register, more precise alternatives might be preferred for formal or scientific contexts. As a best practice, clarify the context when using "it is off" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is deactivated

Focuses on the action of deactivation, emphasizing that something has been intentionally turned off.

it is disconnected

Highlights the state of being no longer connected or linked, often used for electronic devices or services.

it is inoperative

Implies a non-functional state, suggesting that something is not working or able to operate.

it is not functioning

Directly states that something is not working as intended.

it is out of service

Indicates that something is temporarily or permanently unavailable for use.

it is not available

Emphasizes the lack of accessibility or presence.

it is out of order

Suggests a temporary malfunction or breakdown.

it is shut down

Focuses on the action of closing or terminating something, especially systems or processes.

it is disabled

Similar to "deactivated", but often implies a deliberate disabling to prevent use.

it is non-operational

Formal term indicating a state of not being able to perform its intended function.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is off" to describe the state of a device (e.g., "The light "it is off""), a cancelled plan (e.g., "The meeting "it is off""), or a topic that's no longer being discussed (e.g., "That option "it is off" the table").

What are some alternatives to saying "it is off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it is deactivated", "it is disconnected", "it is not functioning", or "it is out of service".

Is it correct to say "it is off" in formal writing?

Yes, "it is off" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing technical specifications or factual states. However, for very formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "it is off" and "it is out"?

"It is off" generally means something is not powered on or no longer functioning. "It is out" can mean something is unavailable (e.g., "the power is out") or no longer in a specific location (e.g., "he is out of the office").