taking off on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking off on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is departing or leaving, often in a sudden or informal manner. Example: "After a brief conversation, she decided to take off on her own adventure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The result has been the creation, for the first time, of a serious fine-dining scene, offering one more good reason to linger in the city before taking off on that Galápagos tour.

The New York Times - Travel

Now, however, "gray market" sales are taking off on campuses.

The New York Times

For many of us, taking off on holiday provides much-needed work/life balance.

The Guardian - Travel

Watching fights break out in the shelter, he contemplated taking off on his own.

The New York Times

So you see me taking off on some fo these people and screaming at them".

The New York Times

Twice this season Allen seemed jittery, taking off on the run when it didn't seem necessary.

The New York Times - Sports

At the same time, a jet flown by Comair was taking off on 13 Right.

The New York Times

Let's leave them here, or I swear I'm taking off on my own".

The New Yorker

Haussler, 25, finished alone after taking off on a multiple-rider breakaway early in the stage.

The New York Times - Sports

Another thing: Tebow is often taking off on designed runs, so the offensive line is blocking for him.

The New York Times

His persistence paid off, and he was soon taking off on his first flight to the mainland.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking off on" to describe a sudden departure, an unexpected beginning, or an enthusiastic start. It adds a sense of spontaneity or quick action to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "taking off on" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "embarking on" or "commencing" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking off on" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the beginning of an action or journey. It often implies a sense of immediacy or spontaneity. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it can also describe something gaining rapid momentum.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking off on" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to describe the start of a journey, venture, or trend, often with an implication of speed or spontaneity. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially in News & Media and Sports contexts. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of initiation or rapid advancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting off on

Highlights the initial stage of an activity or journey.

departing for

Specifically refers to leaving for a particular destination.

embarking on

Indicates a formal start or commencement of a journey or project.

setting out on

Implies a deliberate and planned beginning of a journey or task.

launching into

Suggests a vigorous or enthusiastic start, often implying momentum.

kicking off

An informal way to describe starting something, often used in sports or events.

venturing into

Suggests entering a new or unknown area or activity with a degree of risk.

going ahead with

Emphasizes proceeding with a plan or action despite potential obstacles.

building upon

Indicates expanding or developing something based on an existing foundation.

springing from

Describes something originating or developing from a particular source or idea.

FAQs

What does "taking off on" mean?

The phrase "taking off on" generally means starting a journey or venture, often implying a quick or spontaneous departure. It can also refer to something rapidly gaining popularity or momentum.

How can I use "taking off on" in a sentence?

You might say, "After a brief discussion, they were "setting off on" their adventure" or "That new trend is really "kicking off".

What are some alternatives to "taking off on"?

Alternatives include "embarking on", "launching into", "departing for", or simply starting, depending on the specific context.

Is "taking off on" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable in many contexts, "taking off on" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "embarking on" or "commencing".