shot off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shot off" is a perfectly acceptable idiom in written English.
For example, "When the starting gun went off, the runners shot off the starting line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Shot off?" Lera said.

The New Yorker

"They shot off the husband last year".

The New Yorker

Pellets shot off spinning wheels.

The New York Times - Travel

Susan Bartholemew had her arm shot off.

The Guardian

The bottleneck cleared and Koç shot off.

The Guardian

His lower jaw was shot off.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bang! Someone gets shot off his horse.

The Guardian - Film

Rory beans a spectator with wild tee shot off 15th.

The New York Times

The ambulance shot off with flashing lights and sirens.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The remaining four victims were shot off-site.

The Guardian

Mikel Arteta was another Arsenal player who shot off-target.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shot off" to describe a sudden, rapid movement or departure, especially when emphasizing speed and directness. For example: "The racer shot off at the sound of the gun."

Common error

Avoid using "shot off" when a more precise verb describing the type of movement or action would be more appropriate. For instance, use "ran", "drove", or "flew" instead if those actions are more descriptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shot off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "shot" with the particle "off" to create a new meaning related to rapid movement or departure. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shot off" is a phrasal verb used to describe a rapid and sudden movement or departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards informality. To ensure proper usage, use "shot off" to describe swift actions and consider more precise verbs in formal writing. Common alternatives include "took off" and "rushed away".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took off

Focuses on the act of quickly departing or starting a journey, omitting the "shooting" aspect.

rushed away

Emphasizes speed and urgency in leaving a place, rather than the method or cause.

sped off

Highlights rapid movement, specifically by a vehicle or person moving quickly.

darted away

Suggests a sudden and quick movement, often to escape or avoid something.

hurried off

Implies leaving quickly due to a need to be somewhere else promptly.

blasted off

Often refers to rockets or spacecraft, suggesting a powerful and rapid departure.

fired away

Focuses on the act of shooting, often in rapid succession, shifting the emphasis from movement.

was dismissed

Refers to someone being removed or fired, differing from the initial meaning related to projectiles or quick departures.

exploded

Highlights a sudden burst of energy or activity, not necessarily involving movement or departure.

triggered

Implies causing something to start or happen, a more general sense of initiation rather than a direct action.

FAQs

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

You can use "shot off" to describe a sudden, quick movement or departure. For instance, "The dog "shot off" after the ball" or "The ambulance "shot off" with flashing lights and sirens."

What does "shot off" mean?

"Shot off" typically means to move or depart suddenly and quickly. It can also refer to something being fired or discharged.

What are some alternatives to saying "shot off"?

Alternatives to "shot off" include "took off", "rushed away", or "sped off", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "shot off" formal or informal?

"Shot off" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual or narrative contexts. More formal situations may call for alternatives like "departed quickly" or "moved rapidly".