it went off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it went off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has exploded, activated, or ceased functioning, often in a sudden or unexpected manner. Example: "The alarm clock was set for 6 AM, and it went off right on time, waking me from my sleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Seven years after it went off the air, its revival on Netflix scored a comedy nomination.

Los Angeles Times

It went off.

The New York Times

It went off again.

The New York Times

Tragically, it went off, killing him.

Independent

I think it went off at 2.50am.

The Guardian

He narrowly escaped before it went off.

The New York Times

It went off at 7 15 a.m.

The Washington Post

"It went off my stick," King said.

The New York Times - Sports

Shortly before midnight, it went off.

The Washington Post

It went off the post and in".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The correlation decreased as it went off-diagonal.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it went off" to describe an explosion or unexpected event, ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. For example, "The bomb was planted, and it went off at midnight."

Common error

Avoid using "it went off" without a clear antecedent for "it". Vague pronoun references can confuse readers. Instead of "It went off and everyone panicked", specify: "The alarm went off and everyone panicked."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it went off" is a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct, indicating that it is grammatically sound. It commonly describes the action of something being activated, exploding, or ceasing operation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it went off" is a versatile verb phrase with a wide range of applications, primarily used to describe something being activated, exploding, or ending. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it is predominantly found in News & Media sources, suggesting a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, preventing any ambiguity. Common errors involve vague pronoun references. Alternative expressions, like "it exploded" or "it was activated", may offer greater precision depending on the specific meaning intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was activated

Focuses on the action of something being started or triggered.

it was triggered

Similar to 'activated', but often implies a specific cause or event that initiated the action.

it was set off

Emphasizes the cause of the event or action.

it exploded

Specifically refers to a sudden and violent release of energy.

it detonated

A more formal synonym for 'exploded', typically used in technical or military contexts.

it was discharged

Implies a release of something, such as a weapon firing or a battery releasing its energy.

it was launched

Suggests the beginning of a planned or intentional activity or project.

it commenced

A formal way of saying something began or started.

it took place

Focuses on the occurrence of an event or activity.

it ended

Signifies the completion or termination of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "it went off" to describe an explosion, a sudden noise, or something that has been activated. For instance, "The fire alarm went off" or "The bomb went off unexpectedly".

What does "it went off without a hitch" mean?

The expression "it went off without a hitch" means that something happened exactly as planned, without any problems or difficulties.

What can I say instead of "it went off" when referring to an explosion?

You could use alternatives like "it exploded", "it detonated", or "it blew up" depending on the context.

Is "it went off" formal or informal language?

The phrase "it went off" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing depending on the specific meaning and nuance required.