off for the weekend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off for the weekend" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it when you want to describe that you are going away or taking a break from something over the weekend. For example, you could say, "I'm off for the weekend, so I won't be available to answer emails until Monday morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I'm signing off for the weekend now.

The Guardian

Isaac Newton didn't get to switch gravity off for the weekend for a caravan holiday.

The Guardian

"There's low liquidity because they are not there, they've gone off for the weekend.

The Guardian - Business

I also never left any forwarding numbers or anything and just went off for the weekend.

The Guardian

It's best to call ahead before heading off for the weekend.

The New York Times - Travel

A dreamy shot to send us off for the weekend, by the Swiss photographer Josh Fassbind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Hopefully, this will take a little of the pressure off me for the weekend".

The New York Times - Sports

He had a touch of wanderlust, for he loved to pack everyone into the car and head off somewhere for the weekend, often with no notice.

The New York Times

With clear weather expected after two days of intermittent rain, many more people may be drawn to the streets, especially if they are off work for the weekend.

The New York Times

Many traders are off for the long weekend after the Independence Day holiday, so trading volumes could be thin.

The New York Times

Not the best birthday for a 12-year-old, but the next day we would be off for the whole weekend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off for the weekend" to casually indicate a temporary departure or break, especially from work or routine commitments. For instance, "I'm off for the weekend, so I won't be checking emails."

Common error

Avoid using "off for the weekend" if the absence extends beyond the typical Saturday and Sunday. Instead, opt for "off for a few days" or "taking a short break".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off for the weekend" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a temporary absence or break from regular activities, typically work or other commitments, spanning the duration of the weekend. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "off for the weekend" is a common and generally accepted way to indicate a temporary absence or break spanning the weekend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and readily usable. While primarily neutral to informal in register, it’s versatile enough for various contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in news and media. Alternative phrases, like "going away for the weekend" or "taking a weekend trip", can offer subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to reserve it for absences truly confined to the weekend. With its clear meaning and broad applicability, "off for the weekend" remains a handy phrase for communicating your weekend plans.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaving for the weekend

Focuses on the action of departing for the weekend.

going away for the weekend

Emphasizes traveling to a different location for the weekend.

taking a weekend trip

Highlights the recreational aspect of a short journey.

escaping for the weekend

Suggests leaving to find relaxation or relief from stress.

heading out for the weekend

Conveys a casual departure for leisure activities.

departing for the weekend

A more formal way of saying leaving for the weekend.

getting away for the weekend

Similar to escaping, but with a broader sense of leaving the usual environment.

taking off on a weekend getaway

Implies a planned and enjoyable short vacation.

retiring for the weekend

Suggests withdrawing for relaxation and rest.

absenting oneself for the weekend

A formal and somewhat uncommon way of saying being away for the weekend.

FAQs

What does "off for the weekend" mean?

The phrase "off for the weekend" means that someone is taking a break or vacation that lasts through the weekend, typically including Saturday and Sunday. It often implies a temporary departure from work or other regular commitments.

How can I use "off for the weekend" in a sentence?

You can use "off for the weekend" to indicate your unavailability or plans. For example, "I'm "leaving for the weekend", so I won't be able to attend the meeting" or "The office will be closed as everyone is off for the weekend".

What are some alternatives to saying "off for the weekend"?

Alternatives include "going away for the weekend", "taking a weekend trip", or simply saying "I'm unavailable this weekend".

Is it appropriate to use "off for the weekend" in a formal setting?

While "off for the weekend" is generally understood, it's more suitable for informal communication. In a formal setting, you might prefer "taking leave for the weekend" or "unavailable due to a weekend absence".