off the mark

USAGE SUMMARY

"off the mark" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is wrong or far from the intended result. Example: My initial guess was off the mark, and I was way off in my estimation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Fair shot to get off the mark.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm delighted to get off the mark.

BBC

The assumptions have proved off the mark.

Huffington Post

He's not off the mark.

The New York Times

Off the Mark.

The New York Times - Sports

Duminy off the mark.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

— is off the mark.

The New York Times

Saints are off the mark.

BBC

"The figures are way off the mark.

TechCrunch

It seems even further off the mark.

The Guardian - Music

But she wasn't off the mark.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off the mark" when you want to convey that a statement, prediction, or assessment is inaccurate or misguided. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "off the mark" when a more precise term is needed. For instance, instead of saying a financial report is "off the mark", specify that it contains "calculation errors" or "misleading data" if that's the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off the mark" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe something as inaccurate, incorrect, or misguided. As Ludwig AI explains, this expression indicates a deviation from accuracy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sport

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Books

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "off the mark" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something as inaccurate or incorrect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, sports, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. While highly frequent and widely understood, it is advisable to opt for more specific terms in technical writing. Related phrases, such as "inaccurate" and "wide of the mark", offer similar meanings, allowing writers to tailor their language for precision and impact. Remember to use "off the mark" to express inaccuracy effectively, but consider the context to ensure the most appropriate and impactful wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wide of the mark

This phrase is nearly identical, but it's slightly more emphatic in its assertion of inaccuracy.

inaccurate

This is a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of correctness.

incorrect

This is a general term for something being wrong or untrue.

not accurate

This is a straightforward negation of accuracy.

far from the truth

This emphasizes the distance from reality or factual correctness.

erroneous

This suggests a mistake or error in information.

mistaken

This implies a wrong judgment or understanding.

way off

This is a more informal way of saying something is very wrong.

not on target

This evokes the imagery of missing a physical target, implying a failure to achieve the desired result.

beside the point

This indicates that something is irrelevant or doesn't address the core issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "off the mark" to indicate that something is inaccurate or incorrect. For example, "His prediction about the company's profits was completely "off the mark"."

What phrases are similar to "off the mark"?

Similar phrases include "inaccurate", "incorrect", or "wide of the mark", which all suggest something is wrong or not precise.

Is "off the mark" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "off the mark" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or specialized writing, consider using a more specific term if appropriate.

What's the difference between "off the mark" and "beside the point"?

"Off the mark" means inaccurate or incorrect, while "beside the point" means irrelevant or not related to the issue at hand. They are not interchangeable.