take off

USAGE SUMMARY

"take off" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of removing something, either physical or metaphorical. For example, "She took off her hat and scarf before she went inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Take Off".

The New Yorker

Take off your shirts".

The New Yorker

Take off his pants.

The New York Times - Arts

then you take off.

The New Yorker

"Take off your top".

The New Yorker

"Take off your boots".

The New Yorker

She's poised to take off".

The New York Times - Sports

Take off my handcuffs, please.

The New York Times

market could take off again.

The New York Times

Careers can take off faster.

The Economist

Take off your knee braces!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take off" in the context of removing an item (e.g., clothing), ensure the object being removed is clearly stated for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "take off" interchangeably with verbs that imply a more forceful or abrupt removal. While "remove" is a general substitute, more specific verbs like "rip off" or "tear off" suggest a different manner of removal.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "take off" primarily functions as a dynamic verb, indicating action or change. According to Ludwig AI, this can involve physical removal (e.g., "take off your shoes"), departure (e.g., "the plane will take off"), or the commencement of success (e.g., "the business took off").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take off" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, ranging from physical removal to departing on a journey or achieving success. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, and its formality ranges from neutral to informal. When using "take off", ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "remove", "depart", or "flourish" depending on the specific sense you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin flight

Specifically refers to the start of an aerial journey, much like "take off" in aviation contexts.

remove

This alternative focuses on the action of getting rid of something, similar to one sense of "take off".

leave

Highlights the action of going away, similar to the departing sense of "take off".

depart

This highlights the sense of leaving or starting a journey, akin to an aircraft "taking off".

skyrocket

Emphasizes rapid increase or success, mirroring the metaphorical sense of "take off".

ascend

This relates to the rising or climbing action, similar to an aircraft taking to the air.

deduct

Focuses on subtracting or removing a value, aligning with "take off" in a quantitative sense.

imitate

Emphasizes copying someone's behavior, mirroring the "take off" meaning of mimicking.

flourish

Highlights the idea of succeeding or thriving, similar to the metaphorical meaning of "take off".

start

A general term for beginning, similar to the commencement of flight or a new venture.

FAQs

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

You can use "take off" in various contexts, such as "The plane will take off soon" (referring to flight), or "I need to take off my shoes" (referring to removal). It can also mean to leave, as in "I'm going to take off now".

What are some synonyms for "take off" when referring to departure?

When referring to departure, you can use alternatives like "depart", "leave", or "set off".

How does the meaning of "take off" change based on context?

"Take off" can refer to removing something, departing on a journey, or achieving sudden success. The context of the sentence will indicate the intended meaning. For example, "The business began to "take off" after the new marketing campaign".

Is it correct to say "take off" instead of "remove"?

Yes, in many cases, ""take off"" can be used interchangeably with "remove", especially when referring to clothing or accessories. However, "remove" is generally more formal.