offset from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offset from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is separated from another thing by a distance, time, or other difference. For example: "The result was offset from what we expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

§ 797.14 Requests for administrative offset from other federal agencies where NCUA is the paying agency.

Cornell University

Install baling twine approximately 30" offset from fence and 30" off ground.

Cornell University

Absolute internal time is measured as an offset from an arbitrarily chosen, implementation-dependent base.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The offset from the galaxy's nucleus is 68 7 east, 53 6 north.

Harvard University

It rotates around the pole, but the centre of rotation is offset from the pole.

Nature

Each page was offset from the next one by an angle of just 0.067 degrees.

MIT Technology Review

The microscopes of each row of the array are offset from the microscopes in other rows.

Human Pathology

However, errors in microfabrication processes often cause natural frequencies to offset from the design value.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

This transient was offset from the charge transfer transient by a temporarily stable plateau.

Journal of Power Sources

L. 96 221, § 615(a)(7), substituted provisions relating to offset from amounts owed to the creditor or assignee, and rights of defaulting consumer, for provisions relating to offset from amounts owed to the creditor.

Cornell University

However, the fork they see on the Vive may be offset from where the fork is in reality.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements, use "offset from" to clearly indicate the degree and direction of displacement. For instance, "The building is slightly offset from the main street."

Common error

Avoid using "offset from" when you actually mean "different from" or "independent of". "Offset from" implies a specific relationship of displacement, not just any kind of distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offset from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating a displacement or deviation from a specific point, line, or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

Academia

29%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "offset from" is a prepositional phrase used to describe displacement or deviation from a reference point. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various domains. It is most frequently used in scientific and academic contexts but also appears in news and general writing. The phrase should be used when describing spatial arrangements, quantitative differences, or temporal shifts, and it is important to avoid using it as a simple substitute for "different from". Consider using alternatives like "displaced from" or "deviated from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

displaced from

This alternative emphasizes a shift in position or location.

deviated from

This highlights a departure from a standard or expected path.

set apart from

Focuses on distinguishing one element from another.

compensated by

Indicates that something is balanced or made up for.

balanced against

Suggests a counteracting force or effect.

corrected for

Implies an adjustment to account for an error or difference.

adjusted relative to

Highlights the act of modifying something with respect to something else.

moved away from

Emphasizes physical relocation or conceptual divergence.

contrasted with

This alternative underscores the differences between two things.

separate from

Indicates a disconnection or lack of integration.

FAQs

How can I use "offset from" in a sentence?

The phrase "offset from" is used to describe something that is displaced or separated from a reference point. For example, "The image on the screen was slightly "offset from" the center."

What's the difference between "offset from" and "different from"?

"Offset from" implies a spatial, temporal, or quantitative displacement, while "different from" simply indicates a distinction or dissimilarity. Use "offset from" when you want to emphasize the specific nature of the displacement.

What can I say instead of "offset from" to indicate displacement?

You can use alternatives like "displaced from", "deviated from", or "set apart from" depending on the context.

Is there a situation where "offset from" wouldn't be the best choice?

Yes, if you only want to indicate general difference without a specific spatial or quantitative relationship, use "different from". "Offset from" suggests a measurable or definable displacement.