sitting off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sitting off" is not commonly used in standard written English and may be considered incorrect or unclear without context.
It could potentially be used to describe something that is positioned away from a main area or activity, but it is not a widely recognized expression. Example: "The boat was sitting off the coast, waiting for the storm to pass."

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

They're not wimpy, stuttering eccentrics sitting off in some corner.

The New York Times

But he wasn't sitting off camera watching me portray him".

The Guardian - Film

"I saw this guy sitting off in a corner by himself," Mr. Enriquez says.

The New York Times

(d) Cunningly sitting off the pace in preparation for a late surge.

The New Yorker

Downstairs, he noticed a group of five players sitting off to one side.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The system that's causing it, the low that's sitting off the Illawarra coast, will move east.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"I was sitting off-speed all the way," Castro said.

The New York Times - Sports

That means the new nano doesn't look so idiotic sitting off-kilter in speaker docks.

TechCrunch

Citigroup, which maintains 20 subsidiaries in tax havens and has over 42 and a half billion dollars sitting off-shore.

Huffington Post

As Gerard Butler finished reading the nominees for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Harrelson, sitting off-camera, asked, "Did you leave one name off of there, Ger?" Butler quipped that there was one additional name on the list, but it had been "tipp-exed out".

Huffington Post

"Defeating encryption when they're sitting there off is a lot harder".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sitting off", ensure the context clearly indicates the location or object being distanced from. For example, "sitting off to the side" or "sitting off the coast" provides clearer spatial information.

Common error

Do not use "sitting off" without specifying the reference point. Saying someone is "sitting off" without indicating where they are in relation to is unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sitting off" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to indicate location or position relative to something else. It describes the state of being positioned or located away from a specific point, area, or activity. Ludwig provides various examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sitting off" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something that is positioned away from a main area or activity. While Ludwig AI classifies it as acceptable, it's important to use it with clarity to avoid vagueness. Its usage is common in contexts like news media, business, and general writing. For more formal or precise writing, alternatives such as "positioned aside" or "located away" may be more appropriate. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing its typical usage, which can guide writers in understanding its context and application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positioned aside

Indicates a similar spatial arrangement, emphasizing placement to the side.

located away

Focuses on the distance from a central point or area.

remaining apart

Highlights separation and a lack of involvement.

standing back

Suggests a deliberate act of distancing oneself, either physically or metaphorically.

staying separate

Emphasizes the maintenance of distance or division.

being remote

Implies a state of being distant and possibly isolated.

lingering nearby

Indicates a close proximity, but without direct engagement.

kept at a distance

Highlights a deliberate act of maintaining separation.

temporarily inactive

Emphasizes a state of being out of action.

not participating

Highlights a state of not taking part in an activity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "sitting off" generally describes something positioned away from a main area or activity. For instance, "The boat was sitting off the coast" or "He was sitting off to the side during the meeting".

What can I say instead of "sitting off"?

You can use alternatives like "positioned aside", "located away", or "remaining apart" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "sitting off to the side" or "sitting to the side"?

While both are understandable, "sitting off to the side" can provide a slightly stronger sense of detachment or distance compared to simply "sitting to the side".

What's the difference between "sitting off" and "standing off"?

"Sitting off" generally describes a location or position, while "standing off" more often implies a strategic or confrontational distance, such as in military contexts.