move off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of something or someone moving away from a physical location, or to suggest a prompt departure. For example, "The crowd of protesters began to move off as soon as the rain started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He wouldn't move off of it.

The New York Times - Sports

"Move uptown or move off the island".

The New York Times

He relaxed as soon as we started to move off.

The New York Times

A You have to move off that particular project.

The New York Times

Vibration causes pottery exhibits to move off the shelves.

The New Yorker

"They wanted to move off the dime," he said.

The New York Times

That does not mean you move off the centre ground.

The Guardian

Once they have taken their fill, they move off.

The Guardian

Others opted to move off the island entirely.

The New York Times

"They expect you to stop and move off the road.

The New York Times

Permission to move off campus is granted at the coaches' discretion.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move off" to indicate a physical departure or a shift in focus or topic. For example, "The car began to move off" or "Let's move off this topic and discuss something else".

Common error

Avoid using "move off" when a more precise verb like "depart", "leave", or "shift" would better convey the intended meaning. "Move off" is generally suitable for describing a physical change in location and less suitable in abstract or nuanced contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "move off" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating the commencement of movement or a change in location. Ludwig AI shows, it describes a transition from a state of rest to motion, or departure from a specific point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

22%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "move off" is a common and correct phrasal verb, used to describe the beginning of movement or a departure, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it's most frequently used in news and media sources. While versatile, it's important to use "move off" when describing physical movement or a shift in topic; for more abstract situations, alternatives like "depart", "leave", or "shift" may be more appropriate. Remember to avoid redundant phrasings like "moved off of" and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start moving

Highlights the initiation of movement.

leave

General term for going away from a place.

get going

Informal way to express starting to move or leave.

depart

Implies a formal leaving or setting out.

head out

Suggests a direction or destination while leaving.

set out

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey.

shift position

Focuses on changing location or stance.

change course

Indicates altering the direction of progress or action.

veer away

Implies a sudden change of direction.

disengage

Suggests disconnecting or withdrawing from something.

FAQs

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

You can use "move off" to describe physical movement, as in "The train began to "move off" from the station", or to indicate a change in topic, such as "Let's "move off" this subject and discuss something more pleasant".

What's a good alternative to "move off" when discussing a change in subject?

Alternatives include "shift focus", "change the subject", or "transition to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "moved off of"?

While "moved off" is generally acceptable, "moved off of" can sound redundant. It's often better to simply say "moved off", as in "The protesters "moved off" the road".

When should I use "move off" instead of "leave"?

"Move off" is more appropriate when describing the act of starting to move, especially for vehicles or groups. "Leave" is a more general term for going away from a place. For example, "The car started to "move off"", versus "I'm going to "leave" now".