off to go

USAGE SUMMARY

"off to go" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as an idiomatic phrase to mean, "leaving in a hurry." Here is an example: "We are off to go to the store before it closes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Parvez took a night off to go out with Ali.

The New Yorker

She took just a week off to go home.

The Guardian - Film

(ok, ok. I'm off to go ask for access to source. :-/ ).

Princeton University

My father was given a day off to go out and get married.

The New York Times

Later, they will lose a scheduled day off to go to Denver for one day.

The New York Times - Sports

Taking time off to go to my house in the Catskills, in upstate New York.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Now, one play-off to go.

The Guardian - Sport

Off to work we went.

Los Angeles Times

When everyone else went off to bed she went off to work".

BBC

Other players said he often blew them off -- to go play cards.

The New York Times - Sports

First off, way to go.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "off to go" to indicate a quick and somewhat casual departure, often with a specific destination or activity in mind. For example: "I'm off to go grab some coffee."

Common error

Avoid using "off to go" in highly formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound informal or slightly redundant. Opt for more concise alternatives like "departing" or "leaving".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off to go" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating imminent departure toward a specific location or activity. It’s often used to signal a quick or casual leaving. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "off to go" is a common and acceptable idiomatic expression used to indicate a quick or casual departure towards a specific destination or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its register is primarily informal, it appears across various contexts, including news media and general online content. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "departing" or "leaving" are more appropriate. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose the most suitable phrase accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Leaving now

This alternative is a straightforward statement of immediate departure.

Heading out

This alternative is a more casual way to express departure, suitable for informal contexts.

Taking off

Similar to "heading out", this phrase implies a quick or sudden departure.

Setting off

This phrase implies the beginning of a journey or task, often a longer or more deliberate one.

Departing

This is a more formal term for leaving, often used in announcements or written contexts.

On my way

This phrase indicates that someone has already started their journey.

Moving out

A general phrase for leaving a place, with an implication of vacating.

Embarking on

This implies starting something new or important.

Escaping

Expressing the idea of getting away.

Vacating

A formal way to indicate departure or abandonment of a space or location.

FAQs

What does "off to go" mean?

The phrase "off to go" is an informal way of saying that someone is leaving to do something or go somewhere. It implies a quick or immediate departure.

Is it redundant to say "off to go"?

While some may consider it slightly redundant, the phrase "off to go" is commonly used and generally accepted in informal contexts. The perceived redundancy doesn't detract from its meaning or acceptability in casual conversation.

What can I say instead of "off to go"?

You can use alternatives like "heading out", "leaving now", or "taking off" depending on the context.

In what situations is it best to avoid using "off to go"?

It's best to avoid using "off to go" in formal writing or professional settings. More formal alternatives like "departing" or "leaving" are more appropriate in those situations.