off to the left

USAGE SUMMARY

'off to the left' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe movement, generally in the direction of the left side, or to describe the position of an object relative to the speaker or subject. For example, "John looked off to the left, trying to find his phone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the MC is pointing off to the left, you will go left.

WikiHow

Then it meandered off to the left".

The New Yorker

Off to the left we have just a square.

Yale University

They're on a screen off to the left.

The New York Times - Tech

Off to the left in the frame, another soldier winces.

The Washington Post

"Off to the left, those people are asleep.

The New York Times

Events have pushed Barack Obama off to the left.

The New York Times

Sergei had drifted off to the left to videotape the lager from the side.

The New Yorker

There is the classic square profile picture for each user off to the left.

The New York Times

Off to the left, travelers can buy maps, sunglasses and bottles of soda.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was into this really quirky, off-to-the-left kind of music.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off to the left" to clearly indicate a direction or location, especially when describing spatial arrangements or movements. Ensure the context provides a reference point for the left direction.

Common error

Avoid using "off to the left" without establishing a clear reference point for the viewer or reader. The direction should be obvious from the context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off to the left" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It indicates direction or position, specifying that something is located or moving towards the left side. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

25%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "off to the left" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate direction or spatial orientation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, most frequently appearing in news and media contexts, as well as academic settings. While versatile, it's important to ensure a clear reference point to avoid ambiguity. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "in a leftward direction" may be more appropriate. Numerous examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, showcase its prevalent use in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the left

A more concise way of indicating direction.

towards the left

Replaces "off to" with "towards", emphasizing direction.

on the left side

Specifies the location using "side" for clarity.

in the left direction

Highlights the "direction" for emphasis.

leftward

Uses a single word to denote movement or direction to the left.

in a leftward direction

More formal way of indicating direction.

veering left

Emphasizes a change in direction.

making a left

Implies making a turn to the left.

to the port side

Another nautical term, more descriptive.

on the larboard

Nautical term for the left side of a vessel, adding a specific context.

FAQs

How can I use "off to the left" in a sentence?

You can use "off to the left" to describe the location of something relative to a specific point of reference. For instance, "The library is "to the left" of the main entrance".

What are some alternatives to "off to the left"?

Alternatives include "towards the left", "on the left side", or simply "to the left", depending on the desired level of detail and formality.

Is it more formal to say "off to the left" or "to the left"?

"To the left" is generally more neutral and versatile, while "off to the left" can add a touch of informality or a sense of movement. The choice depends on the context and desired tone. Using "in a leftward direction" would be a more formal alternative.

When is it appropriate to use nautical terms like "larboard" instead of "off to the left"?

Nautical terms like "larboard" (now generally replaced by "port") are appropriate in maritime contexts or when aiming for a nautical theme. In general conversation, sticking with "off to the left" or "to the left" is clearer for most audiences.