takeoff

USAGE SUMMARY

'takeoff' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used as a noun meaning the action or moment of leaving the ground in an aircraft. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to leave the ground in an aircraft or to suddenly increase in speed or intensity. For example: The takeoff of the plane was smooth and uneventful. The business started to take off after they invested in better advertising.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In 1986, we took a break from filming to watch takeoff, and we all saw the ship blow apart.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Clinton's Sunday schedule is booked beginning with takeoff from New York to Iowa, where speculation has centered for weeks that Clinton was focusing attention for an April campaign launch.

The Guardian

The pilots of flight 2116s from Los Angeles to Minneapolis landed their plane safely back at LAX at 9.33am local time on Tuesday, about an hour after takeoff.

The Guardian

The pilot was "a professional who is used to these kind of conditions" on takeoff, Steinmetz said.

The Guardian

Did he expect the business to takeoff in this way?

The Guardian

The World Bank now predicts a 21st-century economic takeoff for Africa comparable to that of China, India or Brazil in recent decades.

The Guardian

Yet, on the back of India's wider economic takeoff, it now generates around 80% of cricket's global revenues.

The Economist

Tests with a swimming-pool sized slab of the stuff have shown that it can be kept clear enough for takeoff even in Ottawa's severe winter.Although he regards heating as the main application for his concrete, Dr Beaudoin suggests that it could also have other uses.

The Economist

This would usually be of little consequence, because big airliners are designed to cope with the failure of one of their four engines even during takeoff, when it would pose the greatest risk of causing a crash.What caused concern about this accident, however, was that bits of the engine flew out at high speed, causing some damage to the aircraft's wing.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

To eliminate such congestion, helicopters and other vertical-rising or short-takeoff aircraft were to converge on the objective area from high-speed assault transports located many miles out at sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Larger short-takeoff-and-landing military transports followed, including the twin-turboprop CN-235 (1983) and its heavier, longer-range derivative, the C-295 (1998).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about aviation incidents, use "takeoff" to specifically refer to the phase when an aircraft leaves the ground. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "take off" (verb) when "takeoff" (noun) is required. "Take off" describes the action, while "takeoff" is the event or phase of flight. For example, write "The takeoff was delayed" not "The take off was delayed".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "takeoff" is a noun, referring to the act or instance of an aircraft or rocket becoming airborne. As supported by Ludwig, it's also acceptable, though less common, as a verb. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "takeoff" functions primarily as a noun signifying the act of an aircraft becoming airborne. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its register is generally neutral, appearing frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Common errors include confusing the noun "takeoff" with the verb phrase "take off". Best practice involves precise use in aviation contexts. Related terms include "ascent", "departure", and "lift-off", each carrying nuances in meaning. Ludwig AI confirms that "takeoff" is a versatile term applicable to both literal flight and metaphorical beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lift-off

This is a synonym, typically used in the context of rockets or spacecraft.

beginning of flight

This is a more descriptive phrase, detailing the start of an aerial journey.

initial climb

This alternative emphasizes the beginning of the flight ascent.

ascent

This alternative focuses on the upward movement, removing the context of an aircraft or scheduled departure.

launch

This term is frequently used for rockets, missiles, and new ventures.

departure

This is a broader term encompassing any form of leaving, not limited to aircraft or rockets.

jump-off point

This phrase represents the start of something new, akin to launching a project.

economic upswing

This alternative applies the concept to economic growth, diverging from physical ascent.

early stage

This alternative highlights the starting phase in a process or project, lacking the aviation context.

getaway

This implies a hurried departure, a rapid leaving.

FAQs

How is "takeoff" used in a sentence?

The word "takeoff" is commonly used to describe the moment an aircraft leaves the ground. For example: "The plane's "takeoff" was smooth despite the windy conditions."

What's the difference between "takeoff" and "landing"?

"Takeoff" refers to the start of a flight, when an aircraft ascends into the air, whereas "landing" is the termination of a flight, when an aircraft returns to the ground.

What can I say instead of "takeoff"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "ascent", "departure", or "lift-off".

Is it correct to say "the plane take off"?

No, "take off" is a verb phrase, and in that context, you would say "the plane took off". "Takeoff" as a noun refers to the event itself. For example: "The plane's "takeoff" was delayed" is correct.