sneak off

USAGE SUMMARY

"sneak off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of leaving somewhere secretly or quickly. For example: "We decided to sneak off before anyone noticed us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Time to sneak off, while just ahead.

The Guardian

People do sneak off like that, on shore visits.

The New Yorker

Justin sees Orrin and Opal sneak off, and follows them.

The New Yorker

He decided to sneak off in the dark of night.

The Guardian

"I wasn't one of those cool kids who would sneak off to Williamsburg or Dumbo".

The New York Times

In the past would-be atheists had to sneak off to libraries to explore their doubts.

The Economist

"I would sneak off at lunch and go into the music room," he said.

The New York Times

For those wanting a more mystical experience, the advice is to sneak off on your own.

The Guardian - Travel

I would sneak off to the library and leave the record player on, full volume.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lester would practice his saxophone for hours; Lee would rather sneak off to play ball.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Its main product alerts bosses when employees try to sneak off-limits files out of the office.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sneak off" to describe a departure that is intended to be secretive or unnoticed, especially when the action might be frowned upon or cause disruption if done openly.

Common error

Avoid using "sneak off" when you mean to say someone made a mistake. "Slip up" refers to making an error, while "sneak off" refers to leaving discreetly.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "sneak off" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating an action performed by the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It describes the act of leaving a place quietly and secretly, often to avoid being noticed or to do something unauthorized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sneak off" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb that describes a secretive or unnoticed departure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its register is generally informal to neutral, and it frequently appears in News & Media. When aiming for more formal communication, consider alternatives like "discreetly exit" or "absent oneself". To ensure proper usage, avoid confusing it with "slip up", which refers to making a mistake. Use "sneak off" when you want to convey a departure that is intended to be secretive or unnoticed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slip away

Implies a subtle and quiet departure, avoiding attention.

steal away

Suggests leaving quietly and secretly, often to avoid detection.

quietly leave

Focuses on the silence and lack of commotion during the departure.

discreetly exit

Emphasizes the carefulness and secrecy of the departure.

absent oneself

A more formal way of saying someone has left without making a fuss.

make an escape

Suggests a quick and perhaps slightly desperate departure.

vanish unnoticed

Highlights that the departure was so subtle that no one noticed.

secretly depart

Focuses on the hidden nature of the leave-taking.

slide out

Implies a smooth and effortless departure, often unnoticed.

duck out

Suggests a quick and informal departure, often to avoid something.

FAQs

What does "sneak off" mean?

"Sneak off" means to leave a place quietly and secretly, usually without permission or wanting to be noticed.

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

You could say, "He tried to sneak off before the meeting ended" or "The kids would often sneak off to play in the woods".

What's a good alternative to "sneak off"?

Alternatives include "slip away", "steal away", or "quietly leave". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "sneak off" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sneak off" is generally better suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "discreetly exit" or "absent oneself".