see them off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "see them off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when someone is going away, and you are accompanying them to say goodbye to them. For example: "I'm going to the airport to see them off before they go on their vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Now let us see them off together.

The New York Times

All are supposed to see them off, although repeated treatments might be needed.

The Guardian

Three people came to see them off at 10 30 a.m. last Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

"Stella Creasy will see them off by out-organising them," say colleagues.

The Guardian

"We were driving Peg & Jack to the airport to see them off for Florida when my husband,….

The New Yorker

Some of them are no better than Championship sides and the fact we can't see them off is unacceptable.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The redevelopment has already seen them off.

The Guardian

(Their son, Bill, saw them off at the airport).

The New York Times - Magazine

Anyway, we've seen them off in my patch".

The Guardian

"Just cut cuffs and collar, and I'll saw them off," he said, and left.

The New Yorker

"So you can't have a family seeing them off at a gate".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "see them off" when you are physically present to say goodbye as someone departs on a journey or leaves a place. It implies a personal farewell.

Common error

Avoid using "see them off" when referring to a general farewell without your personal presence. Instead of "I'll see them off," consider "I'll wish them well" if you're not physically there.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "see them off" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of accompanying someone to their point of departure to say goodbye. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable. The provided examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "see them off" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of accompanying someone to their departure point to say goodbye. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "bid farewell" or "wave goodbye" exist, "see them off" specifically implies physical presence. Remember to use it when you are personally there to bid farewell, ensuring your writing is both accurate and contextually appropriate. This phrasal verb typically carries a neutral tone and is used in informal conversation, but it can also be used in a more formal setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bid farewell to them

Emphasizes the act of saying goodbye.

wave goodbye to them

Focuses on the gesture of waving as a form of farewell.

send them on their way

Highlights the act of helping someone start their journey.

escort them to their departure point

Focuses on accompanying someone to where they are leaving from.

take them to their departure

Similar to escorting, but slightly less formal.

be there for their send-off

Highlights presence at a farewell event.

accompany them to their leaving

Focuses on going with someone until they leave.

help them depart

Emphasizes assistance in the act of leaving.

facilitate their departure

Focuses on making the process of leaving easier.

wish them well on their journey

Emphasizes expressing good wishes as they leave.

FAQs

How to use "see them off" in a sentence?

You can use "see them off" to describe the act of going to a place (like an airport or station) to say goodbye to someone who is leaving. For example: "I'm going to the airport to see them off before their flight".

What can I say instead of "see them off"?

You can use alternatives like "bid farewell to them", "wave goodbye to them", or "send them on their way" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "see them off" or "see off them"?

"See them off" is the correct phrasal verb construction. "See off them" is grammatically incorrect and not used in standard English.

What's the difference between "see them off" and "say goodbye"?

"Say goodbye" is a general expression of farewell. "See them off" implies a physical act of accompanying someone to their point of departure to say goodbye. You might "say goodbye" over the phone, but you "see them off" in person.