push off

USAGE SUMMARY

"push off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "leave quickly and abruptly". For example, "He was getting so angry, so I decided to push off before things got out of hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the rowboats would push off".

The New York Times

"He likes to push off," Glenn said.

The New York Times - Sports

"My legs wouldn't push off anymore.

The New York Times - Sports

We push off into the current.

The Guardian

"I couldn't push off," Schilling said.

The New York Times - Sports

No poles are used; racers push off from stationary posts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We push off.

Vice

1. Anticipate that kids will push off.

Huffington Post

A hard surface to push off from.

Vice

Try to push off.

WikiHow

Finally, push off!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "push off" to mean depart, consider the context. It often implies a quick or somewhat forceful departure. Choose a synonym if a gentler connotation is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "push off" in formal contexts where a more polite or neutral term like "depart" or "leave" would be more appropriate. "Push off" can sound dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push off" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. Ludwig provides examples where it signifies departing or initiating movement, as well as instances in sports contexts referring to physical propulsion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

25%

News & Media

21%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "push off" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, primarily related to departing or initiating movement. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, though its register tends to be informal. When considering alternatives like "depart" or "leave", it's important to assess the specific context and desired connotation. While widely understood, "push off" may not always be suitable for formal or professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shove off

A more informal synonym, carrying a slightly ruder or more abrupt connotation than "push off".

take off

Often refers to a quick or sudden departure, similar to the abruptness that "push off" can imply.

go away

A simple command or request to leave, often used in a dismissive context.

make tracks

An idiomatic expression indicating a hurried departure, particularly to avoid trouble or responsibility.

depart

This alternative focuses on the act of leaving, simplifying the original phrase's nuance of physical movement or rejection.

set out

Implies a beginning of a journey or task, shifting the emphasis from the act of leaving to starting something.

get going

Emphasizes the start of movement or activity, less specific about the manner of departure.

leave

A general term for going away, lacking the specific physical or dismissive implication of "push off".

move on

Suggests progressing from a current state or location, which may not necessarily involve physical force.

absent oneself

Formal way to indicate departure, often avoiding negative connotations, however, differs from "push off" in style and tone.

FAQs

How to use "push off" in a sentence?

"Push off" can be used in sentences to mean to leave, often quickly or abruptly. For example, "We need to "get going", let's push off now".

What can I say instead of "push off"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "depart", "leave", or "shove off".

When is it appropriate to use "push off"?

"Push off" is appropriate in informal contexts when you want to express a quick or slightly dismissive departure. Avoid it in formal settings.

What does "push off" mean in sports?

In sports, "push off" can refer to the act of using one's legs or arms to generate force and propel oneself, such as in swimming or track and field. It also refers to illegal offense by the attacking player in a football game, when the player extends his arm and creates separation from the defender.