scampered off

USAGE SUMMARY

"scampered off" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something moving quickly and lightly, often in a playful or hurried manner. Example: The children scampered off to the playground as soon as the bell rang. Alternative expressions include "ran away," "darted off," and "bolted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They, too, then scampered off.

The New York Times

Manuela came back with Glass's drink and scampered off again.

The New York Times - Magazine

Genesis whispered a shy hello, then scampered off to do homework.

The New Yorker

> Some of the children turned and scampered off toward their mothers.

The New Yorker

I think I got a line or two from Arcan and then scampered off.

The Guardian

It started last Sunday with chants to beat the Patriots as the Jets scampered off the field after pummeling Buffalo.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

But it's so big, it scampers off, growling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He scampers off with an age-defying turn of pace.

The Guardian

Finally, all bow their heads in a group prayer before scampering off to work.

The New York Times

And to stop shoppers scampering off to rivals, it will unveil bargains on electronic goods as the clocks strike midnight.

The Economist

Sometimes, the chest contains another set of coordinates, sending the finder scampering off for a new location.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "scampered off" is best suited for informal situations or when describing the movements of children or small animals.

Common error

Avoid using "scampered off" in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "departed quickly" or "left hastily" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scampered off" is that of a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes an action, specifically the manner in which someone or something moved away. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing quick, light movement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Scampered off" is a phrasal verb that vividly describes a quick and light departure, often associated with children or small animals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to avoid it in highly formal writing, opting for alternatives like "departed quickly". Mastering its usage can add color and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scuttled away

Similar to "scampered off", but evokes a sense of hurriedness, sometimes with a hint of fear or unease.

dashed off

Suggests a hurried departure to complete a quick task.

darted away

Emphasizes the sudden and quick nature of the movement.

took off

A more informal way of saying someone left quickly.

hurried away

Focuses on the speed of departure, implying a sense of urgency.

rushed off

Similar to 'hurried away' but can also suggest being overwhelmed or busy.

sprinted off

Highlights the speed and effort of running away.

slipped away

Implies a discreet or unnoticed departure.

fled

Suggests a more urgent or fearful departure, often from danger or an unpleasant situation.

made off

Implies leaving, often with something taken or stolen.

FAQs

What does "scampered off" mean?

"Scampered off" means to have run or moved away quickly and lightly, often in a playful or hurried manner. It's frequently used to describe the movements of small children or animals.

What can I say instead of "scampered off"?

You can use alternatives like "hurried away", "rushed off", or "dashed off", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scampered off" formal or informal?

"Scampered off" is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "departed quickly" or "withdrew swiftly".

How to use "scampered off" in a sentence?

You can use "scampered off" in a sentence like: "The children "scampered off" to the playground as soon as the bell rang." or "The squirrel "scampered off" with the nut."