shake it off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shake it off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest letting go of negative feelings or dismissing something that bothers you. Example: "After receiving criticism, she decided to shake it off and focus on her goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What?" "You shake it off.

The New Yorker

"I just have to shake it off".

The New York Times - Sports

When this happens, shake it off and just keep swimming.

Harvard University

Actor Patrick Stewart then barks the key line: "Shake it off, shake it off".

The Guardian - Music

"You've just got to shake it off and move on.

The New York Times - Sports

"I realized he's brushing it off," with each twitch essentially saying, "Shake it off, shake it off, Charlie".

The New York Times

I'm just going to try and shake it off".

The New York Times - Sports

"But you have to get up and shake it off".

The New York Times - Sports

"Shake it off" indeed.

TechCrunch

You have to shake it off and move on.

Forbes

But shake it off, dude.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shake it off" to convey resilience and a positive attitude in the face of minor setbacks or criticisms. This phrase is particularly effective in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "shake it off" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "recover from" or "overcome" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "shake it off" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used to encourage dismissal of negative emotions or minor setbacks. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, as reflected in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shake it off" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to encourage dismissing negativity or recovering from setbacks. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples shows its prevalence in news and media, academia, and wiki contexts, with a generally informal tone. While effective in casual conversation and writing, it's best to use more formal alternatives like "recover from" or "overcome" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brush it off

Emphasizes a casual dismissal, often of something minor.

let it go

Focuses on releasing emotional attachment to something.

move on

Highlights the act of progressing past a difficult situation.

get over it

Implies a need to recover from a setback or disappointment.

disregard it

Suggests intentionally ignoring something.

dismiss it

Implies a judgment that something is not important or worthy of consideration.

rise above it

Highlights the act of overcoming a challenge or negativity.

turn the other cheek

Emphasizes forgiveness and non-retaliation.

take no notice

Suggests ignoring something completely.

pay it no mind

Similar to 'take no notice' but with a slightly more casual tone.

FAQs

What does it mean to "shake it off"?

To "shake it off" means to dismiss negative feelings, ignore criticism, or recover quickly from a setback. It implies resilience and a positive attitude.

How can I use "shake it off" in a sentence?

You can use "shake it off" like this: "After making a mistake, it's important to "shake it off" and keep going." or "When you face criticism, just "shake it off" and focus on your goals."

What are some alternatives to "shake it off"?

You can use alternatives like "brush it off", "let it go", or "move on" depending on the context.

Is "shake it off" appropriate for formal writing?

While "shake it off" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "recover from", "overcome", or "disregard".