screw off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "screw off" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and can be considered rude.
You can use it when you want to tell someone to go away or to express annoyance or frustration with them. Example: "After he kept interrupting me, I finally told him to screw off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Just screw off the air valve covers on your tires and put on Tireflys, tiny flashing LED's that come in yellow, green, red and blue.

The New York Times - Travel

On the other hand, those of us under the alleged firing zone could reasonably ask that Bowie either put up or screw off since there are examples galore of the kind of "political figure" he suggests as a "tidy" solution, none of whom operate with anything like Bowie's sense of artful pragmatism.

The Guardian - Music

These work really well and bond in just a few seconds, and then you can screw off the Tap with a simple counterclockwise motion to take with you around the house.

TechCrunch

Predictably, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said screw off and we'll see ya Monday at 2pm.

Huffington Post

If possible, screw off the shower head and place it in a basin filled with vinegar.

Huffington Post

You'll need: A mobile phone tripod, which also doubles as a mini tripod for a digital camera when you screw off the extendable plastic phone holder.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It has also patented the design for buttons that can be screwed off and reused.

The Guardian

Schäfer screwed off the cap and half-filled the two glasses.

The Guardian - Books

It has already been demonstrated that inserting uniaxial locking screws off axis results in weaker loads to failure.

Injury

There have been lots of stories of Comcast technicians screwing off, falling asleep, helping themselves to food, and other odd behavior, but this is just horrible.

TechCrunch

But he consistently took his chances and after Williams' self-declared foul for striking the white twice, brilliantly screwed off two cushions when potting a blue to develop a telling scoring opportunity.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the context before using "screw off", as it's generally considered impolite and may be offensive in formal or professional situations. Opt for milder alternatives like "go away" or "leave me alone" if unsure.

Common error

Avoid using "screw off" in professional emails or academic papers. While it might seem like a strong way to express your point, it will likely be perceived as unprofessional and damage your credibility. Choose a more appropriate phrase for formal contexts such as "cease and desist".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "screw off" functions as a phrasal verb and interjection. Grammatically, it's used either to command someone to depart or to describe avoiding work or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although it's important to consider the level of formality in the situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "screw off" is a phrasal verb and interjection used to express dismissal or indicate avoidance of work. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, its informal and potentially offensive nature makes it unsuitable for professional or academic settings. Consider alternatives like "go away" or "leave me alone" in more formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, as well as wiki sources, with less common usage in scientific and encyclopedic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bugger off

British slang, equivalent to "screw off", sharing the same level of impoliteness.

go away

A direct command to leave, lacking the confrontational tone of "screw off".

get lost

Similar to "go away" but can also express exasperation or anger.

take a hike

An informal way to tell someone to leave, often used humorously.

leave me alone

Indicates a desire for solitude, not necessarily a command for someone to depart.

stop bothering me

Focuses on the annoying behavior, rather than a demand to leave.

get out of here

Expresses disbelief or surprise, sometimes used playfully, unlike "screw off".

goof off

Indicates a failure to take work seriously or to waste time.

slack off

Similar to "goof off", implying a reduction in effort or diligence.

cease and desist

A formal, legalistic way to tell someone to stop an action, completely different in tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "screw off" to tell someone to leave or to express annoyance. For example, "After he kept interrupting me, I finally told him to screw off." Be mindful of the context, as it is an impolite phrase.

What can I say instead of "screw off"?

You can use alternatives like "go away", "get lost", or "bugger off", depending on the level of formality you need to maintain. Note that "bugger off" is also considered impolite.

Is it appropriate to use "screw off" in a business email?

No, it is generally not appropriate to use "screw off" in a business email. It is considered rude and unprofessional. Use more formal language, such as "I must ask you to stop" or simply disengage from the conversation.

What's the difference between "screw off" and "go away"?

"Screw off" is generally considered more offensive and confrontational than "go away". "Go away" is a more neutral way of asking someone to leave, while "screw off" often implies anger or extreme annoyance.