send off

USAGE SUMMARY

"send off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean "send someone away, usually with kind words or good wishes". For example: "We waved our friends off as they set off on their adventure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A rousing send off.

The Guardian

A suitably laughable send off.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That was a fitting send off".

The Guardian

"When will you send off your application?" she interrupted.

The New Yorker

But I knew it would send off alarm bells".

The New Yorker

The smugglers themselves never accompany the boats they send off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

What a wonderful send-off.

The New York Times - Arts

Shevchenko hopes for a magical send-off.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a good send-off".

Independent

He surely deserved a better send-off.

The New Yorker

But the send-off was fitting.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "send off" in the context of a farewell, ensure the tone matches the event. Use positive and encouraging language for celebratory send-offs, and more somber or respectful language for memorial send-offs.

Common error

Avoid using "send off" interchangeably with phrasal verbs that have similar but distinct meanings, such as "send out" (to distribute widely) or "send up" (to mock or parody). Be mindful of the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "send off" primarily functions as a verb that can take on different meanings depending on the context. It is either transitive when referring to dispatching an item or intransitive when related to a farewell. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

15%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "send off" is a versatile phrasal verb with common usage, as validated by Ludwig. Its primary functions include dispatching items and bidding farewell. The phrase maintains a neutral register, frequently appearing in News & Media sources but also found in academic and wiki contexts. When writing, keep in mind the various meanings of "send off" and ensure it corresponds to the intended message. Ludwig’s AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides context for appropriate usage. Remember to consider alternatives based on the level of formality and nuance required for specific communication purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a send-off

More explicitly refers to the act of providing a farewell.

provide a farewell

Focuses on the act of saying goodbye in a formal or ceremonial way.

dispatch

Emphasizes the act of sending, especially something on a mission or errand.

mail

Implies sending something via postal service.

ship

Indicates sending goods or items, often in bulk.

dismiss

In specific contexts, like sports, it refers to removing a player from the game.

forward

Suggests sending something onward to a subsequent destination.

eject

Similar to dismiss, but often with a stronger connotation of force or urgency.

transmit

Emphasizes sending electronic signals or data.

express

Implies sending something with a sense of urgency or importance.

FAQs

How is "send off" used in a sentence?

The phrasal verb "send off" has multiple meanings. It can refer to mailing something, like "I need to "send off" this letter." It can also mean to give someone a farewell, like "We're planning a big "send off" for John before he moves."

What can I say instead of "send off" when referring to mailing something?

When referring to mailing something, you can use alternatives like "mail", "post", or "dispatch" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "send off" when referring to a farewell?

When referring to a farewell, you can use phrases like "give a farewell", "bid farewell", or "see off".

Is it correct to say "send off" in a formal context?

Yes, "send off" is acceptable in formal contexts, particularly when referring to mailing documents or items. For a farewell, consider using more formal alternatives such as "formal farewell" depending on the specific situation.