they took off

USAGE SUMMARY

"they took off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe what someone did, usually when they left a place quickly or suddenly. For example: "When they heard the siren, they took off as fast as they could."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They took off.

The New York Times

"They took off their clothes.

The New York Times

"They took off like Zingo".

The New York Times

Instead, they took off running.

The New York Times

Then they took off.

The New York Times

They took off her arms, legs, teeth.

The Guardian

They took off my watch.

The Guardian

They took off my uniform.

The Guardian

They took off when visitors arrived.

The New York Times

Randall jumped in and they took off.

The Guardian

"They took off three of my toes".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they took off" to describe a quick or sudden departure. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "they took off" when a more precise verb better captures the nuance of the departure, such as "they withdrew" for a planned departure, or "they fled" to convey escaping danger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they took off" functions as a verb phrase, specifically acting as the predicate of a clause. It indicates the action of a group departing or leaving a place, often with an implication of haste or suddenness. As Ludwig suggests, it describes what someone did, usually when they left a place quickly or suddenly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

11%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they took off" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a swift or sudden departure. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with occasional usage in Academia. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "they departed" may be preferable in certain situations. Be mindful of the potential for misinterpreting its figurative usage, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they left

A simple and direct way of saying they went away.

they departed

A formal way of saying they left.

they ran away

A straightforward way to describe someone leaving quickly, often to escape something.

they fled

Suggests a hasty departure, often due to fear or danger.

they disappeared

Similar to 'vanished' but can also mean they went out of sight.

they vanished

Implies a sudden and mysterious disappearance.

they bolted

Suggests a sudden and quick escape.

they cleared out

Implies they emptied a place and left.

they absconded

Usually implies leaving secretly, often with something that doesn't belong to them.

they withdrew

Suggests a more orderly or planned departure.

FAQs

What does "they took off" mean?

The phrase "they took off" generally means that a group of people left a place quickly or suddenly. It can also figuratively mean something rapidly gained popularity or success.

When is it appropriate to use "they took off" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "they took off" when you want to convey a sense of swift departure or sudden success. For a more formal tone, consider "they departed".

What are some alternative phrases for "they took off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "they left", "they fled", or "they disappeared".

Is "they took off" formal or informal?

"They took off" is generally considered an informal phrase. In more formal contexts, consider using a more precise and less colloquial alternative like "they departed" or "they withdrew".