posted off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "posted off" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It is typically used in informal contexts to mean sending something by mail, but "posted" alone is more commonly accepted. Example: "I posted off the package yesterday, and it should arrive by the end of the week."

News & Media

Books

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Diagnosis can take weeks as samples are posted off to laboratories.

The Guardian - Opinion

Before he left for second world war service, during which he would be held captive in Changi jail, Singapore, Searle posted off several cartoons to Kaye Webb, the assistant editor of Lilliput magazine.

The Guardian - Books

Among my favourites are Rumer Godden's Miss Happiness and Miss Flower, a pair of dainty Japanese rag dolls who, summarily uprooted and posted off to England, feel homesick and helpless in their new surroundings.

The Guardian - Books

In his mid-20s, he fell in love with his first wife, Victoria, who wasn't too keen on being posted off to the obscure sites of geological interest where he was being offered work: the Falkland Islands, Georgia, Alberta.

The Guardian - Music

Squashed flat when a billboard falls on top of him, Stanley lives a new and deliciously dotty life, being posted off on holiday – so much cheaper than a plane ticket – and being flown as a kite.

The Guardian - Books

It is very handy to know what the latest rules are, to find the phone numbers and opening hours of public agencies and to download forms, even if they have then to be printed out, filled in and posted off by snail mail.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Although he happily shows us Henry splashing in the tub or posting off urine samples labeled "a.m".

The New York Times - Books

While posting off page blogs, ensure that the site you're posting on has higher domain authority than yours and gives a do follow link.

HuffPost

Do not post off topic.

WikiHow

Don't post off the stirrups, use your calf and lower thigh muscles to help you.

WikiHow

What set this post off was that yesterday, Omnivision announced that they were packing 1080p onto a 1/6″ sensor.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "posted off" ensure the context makes it clear that you are talking about physically sending something. If not, find a phrase that adds more context.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on phrasal verbs like "posted off" in formal writing. While acceptable, consistent use of phrasal verbs can make your writing seem less professional. Opt for more direct verbs when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "posted off" functions as a phrasal verb. Ludwig indicates that while acceptable, it might be better to use alternatives like "sent" or "mailed" depending on context for more common understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "posted off" is a phrasal verb generally used to describe sending something via mail. While understandable, Ludwig suggests that it can be less clear than alternatives such as "sent" or "mailed", especially in formal contexts. Its usage is common in news and media, but less so in formal academic or scientific writing. When writing, consider the audience and context to determine if a more direct alternative would improve clarity. Remember that consistent usage of phrasal verbs might sound less professional than other verbs, so avoid overusing it. Always make sure that the action of sending something is evident when you use this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sent off

A direct synonym, maintaining the same general meaning.

mailed out

Focuses specifically on sending via mail.

sent away

Emphasizes the act of sending something or someone to a different location.

dispatched

Implies a more formal or official sending of something.

shipped out

Similar to mailed out, but tends to refer to packages or goods.

forwarded

Implies sending something that was already received.

transferred to

More specific than "transferred", indicating the destination.

transferred

Focuses on moving something from one place to another.

relocated

Often used when referring to people being sent to a new location.

assigned

Refers to giving someone a task or position, often involving being sent somewhere.

FAQs

What does "posted off" mean?

"Posted off" generally means to send something by mail. It's similar to "mailed" or "sent off".

Is "posted off" formal or informal?

The phrase "posted off" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use "mailed" or "sent".

What are some alternatives to "posted off"?

Alternatives include "mailed", "sent", "dispatched", or "shipped", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "posted off"?

It's appropriate in informal contexts or when the audience is familiar with the expression. However, for broader audiences or in formal writing, consider using more common alternatives like "mailed" or "sent".