sneaking off

USAGE SUMMARY

"sneaking off" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone leaving quietly or secretly, often to avoid detection. Example: "They were sneaking off to the party without telling anyone." Alternative expressions include "slipping away," "sneaking away," and "creeping off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No wonder he's been sneaking off to est meetings.

The New Yorker

"Sneaking off into the bathroom is so over.

The New York Times

So much for sneaking off to the mall.

The New York Times - Tech

Since the summer, runners have been irritating their families by sneaking off to run.

The New Yorker

It's not like we're sort of sneaking off in the middle of the day.

The New York Times

Anyway, I see him sneaking off to McDonald's, so I can't take it seriously.

The Guardian - Sport

People don't cheat – they're not sneaking off to the loo to check their iPhones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They will not only understand your sneaking off, they will admire and aspire to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the end, we were sneaking off to our rooms to listen to it.

The Guardian - Music

At other pub quizzes you hear about people Googling away merrily or sneaking off to the toilet.

Independent

He had already been excluded from the movement, he said, for habitually sneaking off to the movies.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sneaking off" when you want to convey a sense of secrecy or discretion in someone's departure. It's suitable for describing actions intended to avoid attention.

Common error

While "sneaking off" is widely understood, it can sound too informal or casual for professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "quietly departing" or "leaving discreetly" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sneaking off" is that of a phrasal verb functioning as the predicate of a clause, describing an action. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes leaving quietly or secretly, often to avoid detection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sneaking off" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that describes leaving a place or situation discreetly and often secretly. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to convey an action done quietly to avoid being noticed. While it's most prevalent in news and media contexts, it's generally considered informal and should be used with caution in professional settings. Remember to consider alternatives like "slipping away" or "quietly departing" to suit different registers. Ludwig AI underscores the versatility and appropriate usage of "sneaking off" in various forms of written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slipping away

Implies a subtle and quiet departure, often to avoid notice. Focuses on the smoothness of the exit.

creeping away

Suggests a slow, cautious, and stealthy movement, often driven by fear or a desire to remain undetected.

tiptoeing away

Highlights the quietness of the departure, suggesting an effort to avoid making noise.

stealing away

Emphasizes the secretive and possibly unauthorized nature of the departure, often implying a desire to avoid detection.

quietly departing

A more formal way to describe leaving without attracting attention, suitable for professional or neutral contexts.

secretly leaving

Directly states the act of leaving in a clandestine manner, focusing on the hidden aspect of the action.

ducking out

Suggests a quick and somewhat furtive departure, often to avoid an unwanted situation or responsibility.

slipping out unnoticed

Highlights that the departure happened without anyone noticing.

absconding

Implies a sudden and secretive departure, often to avoid legal repercussions or responsibilities; a more formal and negative term.

making an escape

Conveys a sense of urgency and a desire to break free from a confining or undesirable situation.

FAQs

What does "sneaking off" mean?

"Sneaking off" means to leave a place or situation quietly and secretly, usually to avoid being noticed.

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

You can use "sneaking off" in a sentence like, "He was "sneaking off" to the kitchen for a midnight snack."

What can I say instead of "sneaking off"?

You can use alternatives like "slipping away", "creeping away", or "quietly departing depending on the context.

Is "sneaking off" formal or informal?

"Sneaking off" is generally considered informal. In more formal situations, consider using phrases like "leaving discreetly" or "quietly departing".