something is off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'something is off' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling or intuition that something is not quite right. For example: "I can't put my finger on it, but something is off in this situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

If you suspect something is off, schedule a private tour of the house with a separate agent.

HuffPost

But wait, something is off.

Princeton University

Something is off here.

The New York Times

And yet something is off.

The New York Times - Arts

In Hamburg, though, something is off.

The New Yorker

But in each case something is off.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The shifting lines set up a pleasant uneasiness, an awareness that something is off-kilter.

The New York Times

Ultimately, a symptom is a signal, a warning light that something is off-balance.

Huffington Post

Something is missing, something is off, and yes, you can fix it.

Huffington Post

If something is 'off', then your coil will be slanted.

WikiHow

Neither narrator seems entirely reliable, and something is off-kilter from the first paragraph.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something is off" when you have a vague sense that something is wrong but cannot identify the specific issue. It's best used to express a general feeling or intuition.

Common error

While "something is off" is widely understood, it's generally too informal for academic papers or formal business communications. Opt for more precise and professional language to clearly articulate the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something is off" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that a situation, person, or thing does not seem right or as it should be. It is commonly used to express a vague feeling or intuition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something is off" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a feeling that something is not quite right. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and understood phrase. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in News & Media and Wiki sources, showcasing its versatility in expressing subtle intuitions. While generally neutral to informal, it's best to avoid it in strictly formal or scientific contexts where more precise language is preferred. When you sense that something is amiss but can't pinpoint the exact problem, "something is off" serves as a simple, direct way to communicate your unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something doesn't feel right

Focuses on the subjective feeling or intuition that something is amiss.

this feels off

Shortened, more direct way to express the feeling that something isn't right.

something seems amiss

Uses 'amiss' to indicate that something is out of order or not quite right.

something is not quite right

Emphasizes the subtle nature of the problem, suggesting it's not overtly wrong but still concerning.

something is fishy

Informal expression suggesting deception or that something is suspicious.

something smells funny

Figurative expression indicating that something is suspicious or questionable.

something doesn't add up

Implies that facts or details are inconsistent or contradictory.

I sense something is wrong

Highlights the speaker's perception that something negative is occurring.

my gut tells me something is wrong

Emphasizes a strong intuitive feeling that something is not right.

there's something I don't like about this

Expresses a general discomfort or disapproval of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "something is off" in a sentence?

You can use "something is off" to express a vague feeling that something isn't right. For example, "I can't explain it, but "something is off" about his story".

What are some alternatives to saying "something is off"?

Alternatives include "something seems amiss", "something doesn't feel right", or "something is not quite right" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "something is off" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "something is off" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise language to clearly articulate what the issue is.

What's the difference between "something is off" and "something feels off"?

The phrases are very similar. "Something feels off" emphasizes the subjective feeling or intuition, while "something is off" is a more general statement that something isn't right. Both are often interchangeable.