off the house

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off the house" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of hospitality or offering something for free, often in restaurants or bars. Example: "The drinks are off the house tonight to celebrate our anniversary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The television is off, the house silent.

The New Yorker

"Just before this happened he paid off the house.

The New York Times

The others, including Yuriy, 18, and Khrystyna, 10, showed off the house.

The New York Times

Diane Barbee, returning to the scene, could feel intense heat radiating off the house.

The New Yorker

She'll say something like: "The roof flew off the house during Katrina.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their parents, alarmed by their growing obsession with virtual reality, threaten to "turn off" the house.

The New York Times

As Ms. Jameson showed off the house, her father dropped by.

The New York Times

They had to screen off the house to protect their women.

The Guardian

On Sunday, the police had sealed off the house and brought in cadaver-sniffing dogs.

The New York Times

The Johnson sisters thought they were safe; their father paid off the house before he died in 1995.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

To top it off, the house-made strawberry-rhubarb preserves and the honey butter that come with it are truly amazing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "off the house" to mean 'free,' ensure the context clearly indicates who is providing the item without charge. For instance, "The drinks are off the house tonight."

Common error

Avoid using "off the house" in contexts where you simply mean 'away from the building.' Instead, use "away from the house" or a more descriptive phrase to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off the house" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate separation, detachment, or, idiomatically, that something is provided without charge. Ludwig examples showcase both literal and idiomatic uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "off the house" demonstrates versatility in its usage, functioning both literally and idiomatically. As Ludwig AI has pointed out, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Primarily found in News & Media, it describes physical detachment or, more informally, generosity from an establishment. When aiming for precision in formal contexts, more descriptive alternatives may be preferable. The phrase's frequency and Ludwig's examples highlight its established place in the English language, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the house

Expresses the idea of something being provided free of charge by the establishment.

complimentary

Indicates that something is given as a courtesy or gift.

at no cost

Highlights the absence of financial charge.

free of charge

Emphasizes that there is no payment required.

without charge

Stresses that there are no fees involved.

for free

Simply states that something is available without payment.

given gratis

Highlights that something is being offered without any cost to the receiver

courtesy of the establishment

Expresses the establishment is granting something as a kind gesture.

provided without payment

Highlights that there is no financial contribution needed.

house special

Emphasizes the house offering

FAQs

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

You can use "off the house" to indicate that something is provided free of charge. For example, "The appetizers are "on the house" tonight."

What's the difference between "off the house" and "on the house"?

"Off the house" can mean something is detached or away from the building, while "on the house" means it is provided free of charge by the establishment. To specify something that is detached or away from the building it's recommended to use "away from the house" or a more descriptive phrase.

What can I say instead of "off the house" to mean 'free'?

You can use alternatives like "complimentary", "free of charge", or "at no cost" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the roof flew off the house"?

Yes, it is correct. In this context, "off the house" means that the roof detached and separated from the structure.