sailed off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sailed off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of a ship or boat departing from a location, often implying a sense of adventure or freedom. Example: "As the sun set on the horizon, the ship sailed off into the distance, leaving the shore behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then the thing sailed off and vanished.

The New York Times - Magazine

But alas, Mr. Meinhold's stone sailed off, too.

The New York Times

Writer sailed off Manhattan on the yacht designed a couple of yrs.

The New Yorker

In 1883, he married Marie Krackowizer and sailed off to the Arctic to study Eskimos.

The New Yorker

He sailed off to Asia at 23 and joined the East India Company as a surgeon.

The New York Times - Books

Bound by an oath, the kings of Greece sailed off to win Helen back.

The New York Times

In 1899, he joined the Coldstream Guards and sailed off to South Africa to fight in the Boer War.

The New Yorker

After other shots that have sailed off line, he has pounded his club into a manicured tee or fairway.

The New York Times - Sports

She married a sailor, John Bonny, against her father's wishes, and sailed off with him into the figurative sunset.

Britannica

As he watched, a tiny bunch of foil fell and two beads sailed off and spun away on the cement.

The New Yorker

A throw from the first baseman sailed off target as the winning run scored, eliminating a potential controversy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sailed off" to add a sense of adventure or finality to a departure, particularly when the context involves a journey or a significant change of circumstances. For example, "After years of hard work, she finally packed her bags and "sailed off" into retirement."

Common error

Avoid using "sailed off" in situations where the imagery of a ship or boat is completely irrelevant. While it can be used metaphorically, ensure the context allows for a smooth transition to the nautical image. Overuse may make your writing sound contrived.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "sailed off" primarily functions as a verb expressing movement or departure. It often implies a sense of finality or adventure, as seen in Ludwig's examples where people "sailed off" to new lives or destinations. It commonly suggests a journey, whether literal or metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Sailed off" is a versatile phrasal verb signifying departure, often tinged with a sense of adventure or resolution. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys widespread use, especially in News & Media. While rooted in nautical imagery, its metaphorical applications extend to diverse scenarios where a decisive departure is intended. When using "sailed off", consider the context to ensure its nautical connotations enhance rather than detract from your intended meaning. Alternatives like ""departed"" or ""set out"" may be more appropriate in non-nautical contexts. Therefore, its high frequency and general acceptance in various contexts make it a reliable phrase for expressing the concept of leaving, particularly when a sense of journey or finality is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set sail

Focuses specifically on the act of beginning a sea voyage. It's more literal and nautical than "sailed off".

departed

A more formal and general term for leaving a place. It lacks the nautical connotation of "sailed off".

shipped out

Implies departure by ship, often associated with military or cargo transport. Similar to "sailed off" but with a different emphasis.

embarked

Refers to boarding a ship or other vehicle to begin a journey. It's more formal than "sailed off" and emphasizes the start of a trip.

took to the sea

Emphasizes the act of choosing a life at sea. More dramatic and evocative than "sailed off".

put out to sea

Highlights the action of moving a vessel from the shore into the open water. It's a more technical and nautical term.

weighed anchor

Specifically refers to lifting the anchor to prepare for departure. More technical and nautical than "sailed off".

left port

Indicates departure from a harbor or dock. More specific about the origin point than "sailed off".

put to sea

Similar to "put out to sea", emphasizing the action of entering the ocean. Slightly more formal than "sailed off".

got underway

A nautical term for beginning a voyage. More formal and technical than "sailed off".

FAQs

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

You can use "sailed off" to describe a departure, often one with a sense of adventure or finality. For example, "After winning the lottery, he packed his bags and "sailed off" into the sunset."

What's a less nautical alternative to "sailed off"?

If you want to avoid the nautical imagery, consider using "departed", "left", or "set out". These are more general terms for leaving a place.

Is "sailed off" only used for boats and ships?

While primarily associated with watercraft, "sailed off" can be used metaphorically to describe someone leaving a situation or place decisively. However, be mindful of the context to avoid awkward phrasing.

What's the difference between "set sail" and "sailed off"?

Set sail refers to the act of beginning a sea voyage, while "sailed off" describes the act of leaving and moving away. "The ship "set sail" at dawn and "sailed off" into the open sea."