take them off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take them off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to remove items, such as clothing or accessories. Example: "Please take them off before entering the clean room to maintain hygiene standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They can't take them off".

The New York Times - Sports

"I never take them off," he said.

The New Yorker

Let's take them off,' " he said.

The New York Times

So he had to take them off".

Independent

"Take them off," she demanded.

The New York Times - Magazine

Take them off!" "I can't".

The New York Times - Magazine

Why not take them off our hands?

The New York Times

Take them off – it's worth it.

The Guardian - Travel

"Can we please take them off?

The New York Times

"Why don't you take them off?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"When you take them off, don't throw them away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take them off" when you want to instruct someone to remove something, like clothing, accessories, or items attached to something else. Be clear about what "them" refers to in your sentence for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "take them off" without a clear reference to what "them" is. For example, instead of saying 'It's hot, you should take them off', specify 'It's hot, you should take your coat off' to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take them off" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a separable phrasal verb. As shown by Ludwig, it combines the verb "take" with the particle "off" to create a meaning distinct from the individual words.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

The New Yorker

4%

The Guardian - Lifestyle

2%

The New York Times - Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take them off" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that means to remove something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, it remains suitable for many communication scenarios. When writing, ensure that the referent of "them" is clear to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, alternatives like "remove them" might be preferred. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase appears commonly in news and media, as well as wiki-based content, making it a highly relevant and practical expression in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove them

A more formal and direct way of saying the same thing.

pull them off

Suggests a quick or forceful removal.

get rid of them

Implies discarding something unwanted.

discard them

Similar to 'get rid of them', but emphasizes disposal.

detach them

Suitable when items are physically connected.

extract them

Suggests careful or precise removal.

peel them off

Specific to items that are stuck to a surface.

shed them

Implies naturally discarding something.

unfasten them

Best used when items are secured by a fastener.

doff them

An old-fashioned or humorous way to say remove clothing or hats.

FAQs

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

You can use "take them off" to instruct someone to remove something, for example: "Please "take them off" before entering the house" or "It's getting late, "take them off" the table".

What's a more formal way to say "take them off"?

A more formal alternative to "take them off" is to use the phrase "remove them". This sounds more professional and less conversational.

When is it appropriate to use "take them off"?

"Take them off" is appropriate in many everyday contexts, such as asking someone to remove their shoes, a lid from a container, or items from a list. However, in very formal writing, consider alternatives like "detach them" or "remove them".

Is "take them off" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "take them off" is grammatically correct, but you should ensure that the referent of "them" is clear from the context. For example, "Take them off" is fine if it's obvious you're talking about your shoes. Otherwise, specify: "Take your shoes off".