mark off

USAGE SUMMARY

"mark off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something has been set aside or segregated. For example, "We must mark off this section of the library for the reading club."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And you could EASILY mark off the sinkhole with tape!

The New Yorker

No one is sure when shadows were first used to mark off the passage of time.

The New Yorker

Colotomic structure, in music, use of specified instruments to mark off established time intervals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dividing engine, Machine used to mark off equal intervals accurately, usually on precision instruments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Technical analysts examine charts, draw geometric shapes, connect points and mark off familiar patterns.

The New York Times - Books

You literally wish your life away and mark off the days.

The Guardian

First they use 30-foot yellow ropes to mark off two 30-foot rows of corn.

Forbes

Women will also mark off daily supplement compliance on the calendar noted above.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Hereafter, selective coding was done to mark off the coding to variables related only to the core concept.

BMC Health Services Research

Mark off everything you do.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Use the straight edge and carpenter pencil to mark-off the designs on the deck.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mark off" to indicate completing tasks, use it consistently with a specific system, such as a checklist or calendar, to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "mark off" when you intend to convey making corrections or additions to a document. "Mark up" is the correct phrase for that purpose. For example, you "mark up" a draft with edits, but you "mark off" completed tasks on a list.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "mark off" primarily functions to designate a boundary or to indicate completion of an item on a list. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which demonstrate uses like marking off areas with tape or checking off tasks on a schedule.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "mark off" is a versatile term used both to delineate boundaries and to indicate the completion of tasks. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in Wiki, News & Media, and Science. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal, suggesting that more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. To avoid confusion, remember that "mark off" is distinct from "mark up", which refers to adding corrections or notes. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "mark off" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tick off

This alternative emphasizes the action of checking an item on a list, closely related to one specific meaning of "mark off".

check off

This alternative, similar to "tick off", specifically refers to marking an item as completed or verified on a list.

cross off

This alternative conveys the action of removing an item from a list by drawing a line through it.

designate

This alternative provides a slightly more formal way of expressing the action of assigning or identifying something, lacking the implication of physically altering or checking a list.

flag

This alternative describes the action of highlighting or marking something for attention, often in a digital or abstract sense.

demarcate

This alternative suggests a more precise and formal action of setting boundaries or limits.

delimit

Similar to demarcate, this term suggests setting or defining limits or boundaries, typically in a precise manner.

separate

This alternative highlights the act of dividing or distinguishing, without necessarily implying a formal marking.

outline

This alternative refers to defining the external shape or boundary of something, similar to marking boundaries.

distinguish

This focuses on highlighting the difference between items without necessarily a physical mark.

FAQs

How do I use "mark off" in a sentence?

You can use "mark off" to mean either to separate or delineate an area, or to indicate something has been completed or dealt with, as in "Let's use tape to mark off the area for the garden" or "I mark off each task as I finish it".

What's a good alternative for "mark off" when referring to completing a task?

If you're talking about completing a task on a list, alternatives like "check off" or "tick off" could be appropriate. "Cross off" could also be used.

What is the difference between "mark off" and "mark up"?

"Mark off" typically means to separate or indicate completion, while "mark up" means to add corrections or notes to something. For example, you "mark off" items on a checklist, but "mark up" a document with edits.

Can "mark off" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "mark off" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise synonyms like "designate" or "demarcate" depending on the context for enhanced clarity and sophistication.