reel off

USAGE SUMMARY

'reel off' is an acceptable phrase in written English, and can be used when referring to someone rattling off a list of facts or items quickly.
For example, "The teacher reeled off a long list of vocabulary words for us to memorize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Reel off your card details.

The Guardian - Sport

She could reel off lines of Shakespeare.

The New York Times

He then proceeded to reel off examples.

The Guardian

Bassem could reel off a list of Nabi Saleh's accomplishments.

The New York Times - Magazine

Patients will reel off complications suffered because of medical care.

The New York Times - Books

She can reel off 140 poems by Dickinson alone.

The New York Times

Players can sometimes reel off 20 or more moves before they leave their preparation.

The New York Times

They can reel off dates and statistics until the cows come home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

MPs in marginal seats reel off similar lists of tentative positives.

The Economist

He began to reel off the literary and journalistic projects he was juggling.

The Guardian

They can reel off, with some conviction, the various big gains of recent years.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reel off", ensure the context implies speed and ease. It's less appropriate if the listing is slow or laborious.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "reel off". It is not typically followed by "of from" or similar constructs. The correct usage is often followed by the items being listed: "He reeled off a list of names."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reel off" is that of a phrasal verb. It describes the act of producing something quickly and easily, often a list or series of items. As Ludwig examples show, it’s commonly used to describe someone effortlessly listing information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "reel off" describes the action of effortlessly and rapidly listing or producing something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "rattle off" and "recite quickly" exist, "reel off" effectively conveys both speed and ease. Remember to avoid incorrect preposition usage and consider the formality of your writing when choosing this phrase. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources underscores its acceptance and utility in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rattle off

Implies a rapid, often uninterrupted, delivery of information, similar to "reel off".

rattle down

Suggests speaking rapidly and continuously.

spiel off

Means to deliver a speech or information in a rapid, often persuasive, manner.

recite quickly

Focuses on the act of repeating something from memory at a fast pace.

list rapidly

Highlights the quick enumeration of items in a list.

run through

Describes going through something quickly, often without stopping.

enumerate swiftly

Emphasizes a formal and efficient counting or listing of items.

produce effortlessly

Shifts the focus to the ease with which something is created or delivered.

deliver fluently

Highlights the smoothness and ease of the delivery.

tick off

Shares the aspect of going through something quickly, as when verifying a list.

FAQs

What does it mean to "reel off" something?

To "reel off" something means to say or list things quickly and effortlessly, as if unwinding them from a spool. It implies ease and speed in delivery.

How can I use "reel off" in a sentence?

You can use "reel off" in a sentence like this: "The historian could "rattle off" dates and events without hesitation."

What are some alternatives to "reel off"?

Some alternatives to "reel off" include "list rapidly", "recite quickly", or "produce effortlessly", depending on the context.

Is "reel off" appropriate for formal writing?

While "reel off" is widely understood, it might be more suited for neutral to informal contexts. In very formal writing, consider alternatives like "enumerate swiftly" for a more sophisticated tone.