shoot off

USAGE SUMMARY

"shoot off" is a correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
For example, you could say, "As soon as he heard the alarm, he shot off to the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

These Fires shoot off plenty of sparks.

The New York Times - Tech

You'd just frickin' shoot off the ledge.

The New Yorker

I shoot off a few mundane questions.

The Guardian

Fireflies, like paparazzi, surround us and shoot off their flashbulbs.

The New York Times - Health

"In Florida they shoot off all of them," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

"I'll shoot off at 3pm though the kitchen staff will be here until 9pm.

Independent

He tends to shoot off his mouth — he shoots from the hip.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I know Fatima, and I had met her before in a shoot-off in Junior events".

BBC

Meanwhile, Nathan Hales pipped fellow Briton Jack Wilkinson to bronze in a shoot-off in the junior men's trap.

BBC

That tied her with Burton on 91 and led to a shoot-off, the Briton winning 2-1.

BBC

The London 2012 Olympic double trap gold medallist came out on top in a shoot-off against China's Wang Hu.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shoot off" to convey a sense of immediacy or suddenness, whether referring to a physical departure, a verbal outburst, or the projection of an object. For example, "I have to shoot off to a meeting" or "He tends to shoot off his mouth without thinking".

Common error

Be mindful of the context when using "shoot off". While it often implies speed or abruptness, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning—avoid using it when a more deliberate or planned action is implied. Do not substitute it randomly with less idiomatic expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "shoot off" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, describing an action performed by a subject. According to Ludwig, it indicates either a quick departure or a rapid verbal expression. The numerous examples showcase its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shoot off" is a versatile phrasal verb signifying a rapid departure, a quick and often impulsive verbal expression, or the propulsion of an object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, its presence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian indicates its broad acceptability. When writing, consider whether you want to create a sense of speed, spontaneity, or abruptness. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "shoot off" to enrich your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take off

Implies a quick or sudden departure.

dash off

Implies leaving quickly and often without preparation.

dart away

Suggests a rapid and sudden movement away from a location.

bolt off

Suggests a sudden and rapid escape or departure.

hurtle off

Indicates moving rapidly or forcefully.

speed off

To leave a place quickly, especially in a vehicle.

fire away

Refers to starting to speak or ask questions without hesitation.

zip off

Emphasizes quick and effortless movement or departure.

reel off

Means to say or recite something rapidly and without much thought.

blast off

Commonly used to describe the launch of a rocket or spacecraft, implying rapid acceleration.

FAQs

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

You can use "shoot off" to describe leaving quickly, as in, "I need to "take off" or "dash off" now" or to describe saying something quickly and without thinking, like "He tends to "fire away" without considering the consequences."

What does "shoot off" mean?

"Shoot off" has a few meanings. It can mean to leave quickly or suddenly, or it can mean to say something quickly and without much thought. It can also refer to propelling something.

Which is correct, "shoot off" or "shot off"?

Both "shoot off" and "shot off" are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Shoot off" is the present tense, while "shot off" is the past tense. For example, "I need to shoot off now" versus "I shot off to the store earlier."

What are some synonyms for "shoot off"?

Some synonyms for "shoot off" include "take off", "dash off", "fire away", "bolt off" and "hurtle off", depending on the context.