marking off

USAGE SUMMARY

"marking off" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of designating or separating a specific area or section. Example: "She was marking off the boundaries of the garden." Alternative expressions include "designating," "delineating," and "setting apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

In Tennessee, officials gave the Titans extra yards when marking off a penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

On the door frame are several lines marking off Daesean's height over the years.

The New York Times

"They were creating plat maps and actually marking off city blocks".

The New Yorker

Ranieri was quite sensibly marking off the points required to stay up.

The Guardian - Sport

Padnos kept track of time by marking off the days on a calendar he scratched into his prison wall.

The Guardian

"Everyone is just marking off their territory," said one influential Russian businessman, referring to Russian companies in Iraq.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Will I get marked off for this code?

Stanford University

Lists subscribers and their pledge, marked off when they paid.

Cornell University

The straightaways are marked off only by painted lines.

The New York Times

And you could EASILY mark off the sinkhole with tape!

The New Yorker

Such a machine, he imagined, would have an unlimited tape marked off into unit squares.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marking off" when you want to convey a clear act of designating boundaries, progress, or selections. For example, "marking off completed tasks" or "marking off territorial boundaries".

Common error

Avoid using "marking off" when the intended meaning is simply "marking" or "checking". "Marking off" implies a more definitive separation or designation, not just a general indication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "marking off" is that of a phrasal verb. It typically acts as the predicate in a sentence, describing the action of designating or separating something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marking off" is a phrasal verb used to describe the action of designating or separating something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts. It's versatile, fitting neutral to formal situations, and particularly frequent in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, remember that "marking off" implies a definitive act of separation, and it is important to reserve its usage in situations where you want to convey a clear delimitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting apart

Emphasizes the act of distinguishing something from others.

designating

Emphasizes the act of officially assigning or indicating something.

delineating

Focuses on outlining something precisely, often with visual representation.

demarcating

Implies a clear and often formal separation or boundary.

separating

Highlights the act of creating a division or distinction.

bounding

Focuses on establishing limits or edges.

defining

Stresses the clarification of boundaries or characteristics.

partitioning

Suggests dividing something into distinct parts.

staking out

Highlights the act of claiming a territory or position.

isolating

Implies setting something apart, often to protect or examine it.

FAQs

How can I use "marking off" in a sentence?

"Marking off" is a phrasal verb that means to designate or separate something. For instance, "The construction crew was "marking off" the construction site with tape."

What are some alternatives to "marking off"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "delineating", "designating", or "separating" as alternatives to "marking off".

Is there a difference between "marking off" and "marking"?

Yes, "marking" generally means to make a sign or indication, while "marking off" implies a more definitive separation or designation of something. The phrase "marking" is broader.

When is it appropriate to use "marking off" in formal writing?

"Marking off" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to clearly indicate the act of designating boundaries or sections. It is suitable in reports, instructions, or any context where clear demarcation is necessary.