off the charts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off the charts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom meaning something is exceptionally good or far above the norm. For example: She's been doing great in school this semester - her test scores are off the charts!.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In January 2013 they went off the charts.

BBC

My mood swings are off the charts.

Huffington Post

"She's off the charts.

The New Yorker

Off the Charts.

The New York Times

"Enthusiasm was off the charts.

The New York Times - Sports

Off the charts!" he said.

The New Yorker

He is off the charts".

The New York Times - Sports

That is off the charts.

The New York Times

He was off the charts.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's just off-the-charts crazy".

The New Yorker

Bill is off-the-charts crazy".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off the charts" to describe situations where standard metrics or expectations are significantly exceeded, whether positively (e.g., performance, sales) or negatively (e.g., pollution levels, frustration).

Common error

Avoid using "off the charts" when describing minor deviations from the norm. This idiom is best reserved for situations that are truly exceptional or extreme.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off the charts" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective, indicating a state or quality that is far beyond normal expectations. It's used to emphasize the magnitude or intensity of something, whether positive or negative, as shown by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Huffington Post

17%

The New York Times

11%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "off the charts" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that exceeds normal expectations, whether positively or negatively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its frequency in News & Media highlights its common usage in describing exceptional situations. When writing, remember that this idiom is best suited for truly remarkable scenarios and should be avoided in formal contexts where more precise language is preferred. Alternatives like ""through the roof"" or "exceeding all expectations" can provide similar emphasis while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

off the scale

Directly refers to exceeding the limits of a measurement scale.

through the roof

Indicates a dramatic increase or exceptionally high level.

in a league of its own

Indicates that something is far superior to its competitors or peers.

beyond comparison

Emphasizes the unmatched nature of something, highlighting its superior quality.

sky high

Implies an extremely high level or price.

exceeding all expectations

Emphasizes that something has surpassed what was anticipated.

out of bounds

Suggests something exceeding acceptable limits or standards.

unparalleled

Highlights the uniqueness and unmatched quality of something.

at an all-time high

Highlights that something has reached its highest recorded level.

unprecedented

Describes something that has never happened before or is exceptional.

FAQs

How can I use "off the charts" in a sentence?

You can use "off the charts" to describe something that greatly exceeds expectations or normal limits. For example, "The company's profits this quarter were "off the charts"."

What does it mean when something is described as "off the charts"?

It means that something is far beyond the usual or expected level, either in a positive or negative way. It implies that the measurement or quality is so high or low that it's difficult to quantify within normal scales.

What are some alternatives to saying "off the charts"?

Alternatives include "through the roof", "sky high", or "beyond comparison", depending on the context.

Is "off the charts" appropriate for formal writing?

While "off the charts" is widely understood, it leans towards informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "exceeding all expectations" or "unprecedented" for a more professional tone.