offhand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offhand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something done casually or without prior thought, often in reference to remarks or comments made spontaneously. Example: "He made an offhand comment about the weather that sparked a lively discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The slump in emerging markets over the past month is in anticipation of such a trend.It seems a violent response to what was an offhand comment.

The Economist

Perhaps inspired by Hannah Arendt's concept of "the banality of evil", he prefers to take the viewer back in time to a period when slavery was mundane; he recreates its day-to-day practicalities and its offhand brutalities; and he leaves it to us to decide how to react.

The Economist

When President Abdelaziz Bouteflika rebuffed critics on February 22nd by declaring he will run for a fourth five-year term, the announcement came not from the statesman himself, but in an almost offhand comment by his prime minister, Abdelmalek Sellal.The last time the 76-year-old president spoke in public was in May 2012.

The Economist

There may be other areas of bipartisan agreement on obviously productive legislation in this Congress, but I can't think of any offhand.

The Economist

Non-compliant models are asked to leave and put on more clothing.Yet all that hard work courting ladies could be undone by one offhand remark at this year's PAX Prime.

The Economist

Throughout Mr Chappelle seemed to prefer the wry offhand remark to the on-point joke.

The Economist

THIS is a bit random, but this morning an army friend mentioned, in an offhand way, that because of his various assignments his wife, a teacher, has now been certified in four different states Kansas, New York, Hawaii, and now Texas.

The Economist

According to Diana's accounts, she found the prince's family boring and offhand.

The Economist

Members of Congress resent him for treating them in such an offhand manner.

The Economist

Mr Novikov insists that the offhand service that often distresses visitors to Moscow is improving.

The Economist

As he had been in both places, his evidence cannot be dismissed offhand, and it may be that a few speakers of Celtic still existed in both areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "offhand" to describe remarks or actions that are casual and unplanned. It's particularly effective when emphasizing a lack of forethought or formality.

Common error

Avoid using "offhand" when you mean to convey agreement or approval. "Offhand" implies a lack of consideration, which is the opposite of thoughtful endorsement.

Linguistic Context

Adjective and adverb. "Offhand" primarily functions as an adjective to describe something done or said without premeditation or as an adverb to describe the manner in which something is done. Ludwig examples show its use in characterizing remarks and behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "offhand" is commonly used as an adjective or adverb to describe something done or said casually, without prior thought or preparation. Ludwig's analysis confirms that "offhand" is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. Related terms include "casual", "spontaneous" and "impromptu". When using "offhand", ensure you intend to convey a lack of deliberation, distinguishing it from terms like "cavalier" which imply a dismissive attitude. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

off the cuff

An idiom that means without prior preparation or thought.

in a casual manner

Highlights the informality and lack of seriousness in the approach.

without thinking

Focuses on the lack of deliberation before speaking or acting.

impromptu

Similar to extemporaneously, but emphasizes the lack of advance notice.

without preparation

Emphasizes the absence of planning or rehearsal.

extemporaneously

Highlights the delivery without notes or pre-planning.

spontaneously

Stresses the impulsive and unplanned nature of the action or remark.

unrehearsed

Focuses on the lack of practice or rehearsal before a performance or statement.

flippantly

Underscores a lack of seriousness or respect, often to an inappropriate degree.

glibly

Suggests a superficial and insincere ease in speaking.

FAQs

How to use "offhand" in a sentence?

You can use "offhand" to describe something done casually or without prior thought. For example, "He made an offhand comment about the weather" or "She dismissed the idea with an offhand wave of her hand".

What can I say instead of "offhand"?

You can use alternatives like "casual", "spontaneous", or "unprepared", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "offhand remark" or "off handed remark"?

"Offhand remark" is the correct and more common usage. "Offhanded" is sometimes used as a synonym for "offhand", but it's less frequent, especially when describing remarks.

What's the difference between "offhand" and "cavalier"?

"Offhand" suggests a lack of forethought or planning, while "cavalier" implies a dismissive or arrogant attitude. "Offhand" can be neutral, but "cavalier" typically carries a negative connotation.